Telangana government launches HILT policy to curb pollution and shift industries

Hyderabad: Telangana Industries Minister Jupally Krishna Rao informed the Assembly that the state government has launched the HILT policy Telangana. This policy aims to reduce pollution and improve urban living conditions by shifting old industries out of city limits.

During a short discussion, the Minister noted that areas such as Vidyanagar, Musheerabad, RTC Cross Roads, and VST—once industrial zones—have evolved into densely populated residential localities over the past 50 to 60 years. As a result, these neighbourhoods now suffer from air, water, and soil pollution. He said this directly impacts public health as addressed by the HILT policy Telangana.

HILT policy to move polluting units beyond ORR

To tackle the issue, the government developed the HILT policy to relocate polluting industries beyond the Outer Ring Road (ORR). Rao emphasised that the decision was not taken hastily. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy had constituted a Cabinet sub-committee to examine pollution control and resource mobilisation before finalising the policy. This is part of the broader HILT policy Telangana initiative.

Between May and September, the sub-committee held 11 meetings to assess the matter in depth. Consequently, the government framed a clear policy. It promotes transparency and safeguards health standards under what is known as the HILT policy Telangana.

Rao clarified that the targeted lands are not leaseholds but freehold plots privately owned by industrialists for more than 60 years. To ensure smooth relocation, the government is offering suitable incentives. This will help businesses move without incurring major losses according to the guidelines of the HILT policy Telangana.

Previous regime misused IDPL land, says Minister

Further, Rao alleged large-scale irregularities under the previous government regarding 333 acres of IDPL land in Kukatpally. He said authorities bypassed public auctions and illegally issued No Objection Certificates, sale deeds, and conversion permissions. This goes against the transparency that the HILT policy Telangana aims to provide.

So far, 170 to 180 acres have already changed hands, he added. The Minister said the remaining 150 acres must be safeguarded. He noted that efforts are underway to recover public land and address past losses in line with the objectives of the HILT policy Telangana.

He urged opposition parties to support the policy in the broader interest of the public. According to Rao, the HILT initiative strikes a necessary balance between economic growth and environmental protection, emphasized under the HILT policy Telangana.