Unauthorized buildings raise concerns of environmental hazard

Large scale violations of GO 111 violations alleged

Metro India News | MOINABAD

Allegations of widespread violations of environmental and building regulations have surfaced in Moinabad Municipality, with local residents claiming that the protections provided under the  Government Order (GO) 111 are being systematically violated. The order was introduced to safeguard the twin reservoirs that supply drinking water to Hyderabad, but activists and residents allege that illegal construction activity is now threatening the region's ecological balance.

According to local complaints, real estate developers and property owners have allegedly disregarded environmental norms in areas such as Chilkur, Aziznagar and Himayatsagar, constructing large concrete buildings despite regulatory restrictions. Residents allege that the construction is taking place in full view of municipal and town planning authorities, raising questions about the lack of enforcement. Under the regulations applicable to the GO 111 zone, building permissions are generally restricted to Ground plus Two Floors (G+2) to minimize environmental impact.

However, residents allege that several buildings ranging from five to seven storeys have been constructed in violation of these norms. Locals claim that despite the scale of the alleged violations, municipal and town planning officials have failed to initiate action. The inaction has prompted allegations that the illegal construction activity is being overlooked despite repeated concerns raised by the public. Residents have also alleged that the rapid growth of engineering, medical, and pharmacy colleges in the surrounding areas has fuelled the unchecked expansion of private student hostels.

They further allege that untreated sewage and waste generated from these unauthorized hostels are being discharged into the catchment area of Osman Sagar (Gandipet), one of Hyderabad's historic reservoirs. They claim that although sewage treatment plants are mandatory under applicable regulations, many operators have failed to install them, allowing untreated wastewater to enter environmentally sensitive areas.

According to the complaints, the alleged discharge of untreated waste is contributing to pollution of the reservoir and contaminating groundwater in nearby localities, posing long-term environmental and public health risks. Local citizens have urged the government to conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the reported illegal constructions and unauthorized hostels, warning that failure to enforce building and environmental regulations could eventually result in demolition proceedings against structures found to be in violation of the law.