Understanding FTL, Buffer Zones, and GO111: The Hot Topic in Hyderabad

In recent weeks, the terms Full Tank Level (FTL), Buffer Zone, and GO111 have become central to discussions in Hyderabad, particularly after the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection (HYDRA) undertook demolitions in areas surrounding the city’s crucial lakes, Osman Sagar and Himayatsagar. These terms are essential for understanding the legal and environmental framework governing construction and land use in these areas.

What is Full Tank Level (FTL)?

The Full Tank Level (FTL) is the maximum water level that a lake, tank, or any other water body can reach, representing the upper limit of its water storage capacity. FTL is a critical parameter for managing and preserving water bodies, as it defines the boundaries beyond which any construction or development is typically prohibited. These FTL boundaries are publicly available, with precise GPS coordinates that anyone can check on platforms like Google Earth.

In the case of Osman Sagar and Himayatsagar, the FTL plays a vital role in protecting the integrity of these lakes, which are key sources of drinking water for Hyderabad. Understanding where these FTL boundaries lie is crucial for both residents and developers to ensure that they do not inadvertently encroach on protected areas.

What is a Buffer Zone?

The Buffer Zone is the designated area surrounding the FTL that must remain free from any development. This zone acts as a protective barrier, preventing encroachments and preserving the natural ecosystem around water bodies. The width of the Buffer Zone varies depending on the size of the water body or the width of a stream or canal. Here’s a breakdown of the Buffer Zone regulations:

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50 meters from the boundary of a river within the limits of Municipal Corporations, Municipalities, Nagara Panchayats, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), or Urban Development Authorities (UDA).30 meters from the FTL boundary of lakes, tanks, or kuntas with an area of 10 hectares (Ha) or more, including a 12-foot-wide walking/cycling track within the 30-meter buffer strip.9 meters from the FTL boundary of lakes, tanks, or kuntas with an area of less than 10 hectares/shikam lands.9 meters from the defined boundary of a canal, vagu (small stream), nala, or stormwater drain with a width of more than 10 meters.2 meters from the defined boundary of a canal, vagu, nala, or stormwater drain with a width of up to 10 meters.

These Buffer Zones are crucial for maintaining the health of the water bodies and preventing flooding and other environmental issues. In the context of Osman Sagar and Himayatsagar, the Buffer Zone officially extends 9 meters beyond the FTL, though some suggest it should be 30 meters.

Nala and Lake Maps

To provide clarity and ensure that the protected areas around lakes and streams are well-documented, maps are created that show the FTL boundaries, their corresponding GPS coordinates, and the Buffer Zones. These maps are then superimposed on Revenue survey maps of the relevant villages, providing a clear demarcation of protected zones. This mapping effort is crucial for preventing illegal encroachments and for guiding future development in these sensitive areas.

Understanding GO111

G.O. No. 111, commonly referred to as GO111, is a government order that imposes specific restrictions on the development of land within the catchment areas of Osman Sagar and Himayatsagar. Issued in 1996, this order aims to protect these water bodies from pollution and encroachments, ensuring they continue to serve as vital drinking water sources for Hyderabad.

Under GO111, construction is allowed within designated residential zones in the catchment area, but it comes with stringent guidelines. Key provisions include:

At least 60% of the total area in each village within the catchment must be set aside for open space and roads.Up to 90% of the land can be used for recreational purposes, conservation efforts, and agriculture, including horticulture and floriculture, ensuring that development does not compromise the ecological balance.Only 10% of the land in these zones is permitted for construction, ensuring that the majority of the land remains dedicated to sustainable and eco-friendly uses.

These guidelines are designed to protect the lakes from overdevelopment while allowing for limited, controlled residential growth that does not threaten the environmental health of the region.

The Current Scenario

The recent HYDRA demolitions have brought these terms into the spotlight as the city grapples with balancing development and environmental preservation. The actions taken by HYDRA highlight the importance of adhering to the regulations set by FTL, Buffer Zones, and GO111 to safeguard Hyderabad’s water resources.

As these discussions continue, it is crucial for both residents and developers to be aware of these terms and understand their implications for land use and environmental protection in the city.

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