Key Highlights from HYDRAA Commissioner Shri Ranganath's Address at the Hyderabad Event – 21 June 2025

1  Assurance to Bankers:

 

Bankers were encouraged to proceed with funding confidently, without fear of HYDRAA interventions, if all fundamental lending protocols are properly followed.

 

2  Clarification on NOC Issuance by HYDRAA:

• No NOC Authority: HYDRAA explicitly stated that it does not issue No Objection Certificates (NOCs) and lacks the legal authority to do so.
• Approvals by Other Authorities: All permissions and approvals fall under the jurisdiction of respective agencies such as HMDA, GHMC, or other local bodies.
• To be precise, there is no provision for any HYDRAA-issued NOC. Stakeholders must exclusively rely on the relevant authorities, such as HMDA, GHMC, or local bodies or other agencies, for necessary documentation and clearances.

3  Caution on Properties in FTL Zones:

 

• Bankers and valuers were advised to avoid funding properties located in survey numbers falling within the Full Tank Level (FTL).
• It was emphasized to cross-check these details using HMDA Lakes and Bhuvan portals.
• For mismatched survey numbers, engaging senior private surveyors to verify the situation and proceed cautiously was suggested as an interim solution.

4  Construction Approvals in Buffer Zones:

 

• Approvals granted by competent authorities like HMDA or GHMC will be considered valid, even if subsequent reports indicate that part of the project falls within a buffer zone.
• Land in buffer zones belongs to the property owner but is restricted to usage for tot-lots, parks, or open spaces only.
• HYDRAA assured no action would be taken against such projects or buildings.

5  Action on Unauthorized Constructions:

 

• HYDRAA will act against unauthorized constructions (including those sanctioned by Gram Panchayats or Development Authorities) initiated or completed after its establishment on 19 July 2024 under their jurisdiction.
• Constructions, including those with deviations, completed before this date will not be targeted it seems.

6  Accountability for Inappropriate Approvals:

• Officials responsible for inappropriate approvals, such as Gram Panchayats sanctioning constructions exceeding 10 meters (G+2 floors), unauthorized layouts, or Sarpanches issuing unauthorized plans, may face repercussions.
• Customers, lenders, and valuers were urged to verify the legitimacy of approvals and exercise caution to avoid risks.

7  Collaboration with Satellite Resources:

• HYDRAA is collaborating with the National Remote Sensing Centre (NRSC) to access historical satellite imagery for identifying encroachments on lakes and other public assets.
• The future includes integrating this data with Google coordinates to create accurate and transparent records for public benefit.

8  Introduction of HYDRAA Prajavani and Police Stations:

 

• HYDRAA has launched HYDRAA Prajavani, a citizen grievance redressal system, to address public concerns efficiently.
• HYDRAA police stations have also been established to ensure compliance with regulations and reinforce its commitment to public welfare and law enforcement.

9  Caution on Pending BPS and LRS Applications:

• Advised caution in funding properties with pending Building Penalization Scheme (BPS) or Layout Regularization Scheme (LRS) applications.
• Properties where applications have been submitted, part/full payments made, but final clearances or regularizations are still pending, are not deemed cleared.
• Lenders were urged to exercise due diligence and avoid funding until the status of such properties is fully resolved.

10  Marking FTL Stones and Fencing Water Bodies:

 

• HYDRAA is conducting comprehensive surveys to identify lakes and their Full Tank Levels (FTLs).
• Plans include installing FTL Stones to demarcate legal boundaries and establishing fencing around lakes to prevent encroachments and safeguard water bodies from illegal occupation or misuse in future.