Arun Nair

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has reshaped the real estate landscape in Hyderabad by aggressively addressing illegal constructions and encroachments. With actions such as demolitions on lake buffer zones, unauthorised high-rises, and encroached public assets, HYDRAA has reclaimed nearly 200 acres and resolved thousands of complaints. While the initiative has brought regulatory rigour, it has also heightened awareness among property buyers, prompting them to demand transparent legal documentation. Real estate developers have adjusted strategies to comply with regulations. However, HYDRAA's stringent measures have also sparked debates about their scientific rationale and implementation. While challenges remain, HYDRAA's mission reflects a commitment to building a future where Hyderabad grows responsibly and sustainably.Read more

The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) demolished 13 illegally constructed villas near Neknampur Lake in Manikonda, including six completed structures and seven under construction. Built within the lake's Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones, these structures violated environmental regulations despite previous demolition efforts. HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath emphasized the need for stricter enforcement to prevent such violations. Environmentalist Madhulika Chaudhary highlighted the ecological impact and called for clearer boundary markings for the 108-acre lake. This action reflects Hyderabad's ongoing struggle to balance rapid urbanization with the preservation of its vital ecosystems.Read more

Hyderabad's Grade A office space market faces rising vacancy rates, projected to reach 24-24.5% by March 2026, up from 14.1% in March 2023, according to ICRA. Despite a 14% CAGR in office supply between FY 2017-2024, demand, driven primarily by IT and financial services, remains constrained at 9-12 million sq. ft. annually. Key areas like Hitech City are maintaining stable vacancies at 9.5-10%, while Gachibowli and the Financial District may see vacancies soar to 25-30%. As Hyderabad's share of India's office supply grows from 15% to 17%, stakeholders must adapt to tenant preferences for sustainable, tech-enabled spaces in a competitive market.Read more

HYDRAA officials demolished an illegal five-storey building in Ayyappa Society, Madhapur, citing severe breaches of building regulations and environmental concerns. The building, constructed on a 684-square-yard plot, lacked required parking, had a cellar illegally converted into a kitchen, and violated setbacks and drainage norms. The structure was also polluting a nearby lake. The demolition followed show-cause notices from GHMC and directives from the Telangana high court. HYDRAA is continuing its crackdown on unauthorized constructions across the city.Read more

Hyderabad's Metro Phase 2 expansion achieved a key milestone with the distribution of INR 20 crore in compensation to 41 property owners in the Old City. Transport Minister Ponnam Prabhakar and MP Asaduddin Owaisi led the cheque distribution, marking progress on the seven-and-a-half-kilometre stretch of Corridor-6, estimated at INR 2,741 crore. Authorities determined a compensation rate of INR 81,000 per square yard, with additional rehabilitation benefits under the Relief and Rehabilitation Act. Chief Minister Revanth Reddy instructed officials to expedite the project, expected to enhance connectivity to iconic locations like Charminar. Groundwork, including barricade installation and utility relocation, is underway.Read more

Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has greenlit Metro Rail expansions to Hyderabad's outskirts, targeting Medchal and Shameerpet with 45 kilometers of new routes. The proposed corridors-23 km from Paradise to Medchal and 22 km from JBS to Shameerpet-aim to ease traffic and boost connectivity in growing areas like Bowenpelly, Kompally, and Kharkhana. Hyderabad Airport Metro Limited (HAML) will submit Detailed Project Reports within three months, aligning with the state's Phase-2 Metro plans. The expansion promises reduced commute times, economic growth, and environmental benefits, enhancing public transport for North Hyderabad's rapidly developing neighborhoods.Read more

Hyderabad's illegal construction problem has prompted the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to adopt stringent measures, including technology integration and stricter penalties. Following Telangana High Court orders, GHMC plans to track violations through an online platform, enforce a 400% penalty on offenders, and mark unauthorized structures in encumbrance certificates to deter buyers. Illegal constructions exacerbate urban issues like waterlogging and traffic congestion, often involving unapproved floors or residential-to-commercial conversions. GHMC's new guidelines aim to ensure sustainable urban growth and compliance with planning norms. Success depends on consistent enforcement, public awareness, and departmental collaboration to address this persistent urban challenge.Read more

The Indiramma housing scheme is offering beneficiaries the flexibility to design their homes. The government will provide INR 5 lakh in financial assistance for constructing up to 400 sq ft, including a mandatory kitchen and toilet. Those wishing to expand beyond 400 sq ft can use personal funds. In its first phase, nearly 5 lakh eligible land-owning families will benefit. Ongoing surveys are verifying land and applicant details, with over 35 lakh of 80 lakh applications already reviewed. The state has pledged to support applicants denied central funding and is exploring options for material procurement assistance. The scheme emphasizes empowerment, autonomy, and housing accessibility.Read more

Meta has renewed its lease for 367,000 sq ft of office space at The Skyview in Hyderabad's Hitec City for five years, with a total rental outlay exceeding INR 170 crore. Monthly rents surpass INR 2.8 crore, with a 15% hike slated for 2026. The renewed lease underscores Meta's commitment to its Hyderabad operations, a key hub for its workforce in India. This move reflects a broader trend of multinational corporations securing prime office spaces in India's thriving commercial hubs, driven by robust IT infrastructure and skilled talent. Similar lease renewals by Nvidia and CA Technologies highlight the sector's resilience and growth.Read more

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has sanctioned a INR 8,440 crore budget for FY 2025-26, prioritizing infrastructure development and essential services. With INR 2,654 crore allocated under the H-CITI initiative for urban infrastructure, the budget emphasizes technological upgrades, eco-friendly projects, and improved public services. Despite challenges in revenue generation, the budget projects a INR 445 crore surplus, offering financial flexibility. GHMC plans to enhance community engagement and promote sustainable urban growth through investments in green spaces and public transport, aiming to make Hyderabad a more livable and investment-friendly city.Read more

Hyderabad's Housing Minister, Ponguleti Srinivas Reddy, announced plans for four 100-acre housing colonies across Greater Hyderabad, catering to low, middle, and higher-income groups. Additionally, the Indiramma housing initiative aims to construct 500,000 houses in its first phase, with a long-term goal of building 2 million homes within four years. The government will provide financial assistance of INR 5 lakh per family in four installments to ease construction costs. With over 80 lakh applications for Indiramma houses and 32 lakh reviewed, the initiative addresses Hyderabad's pressing affordable housing needs. Public-private partnerships are also being explored to accelerate development and improve housing quality.Read more

Hyderabad's illegal construction crisis, with 250,000 writ petitions in five years, has prompted the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to introduce an online portal for tracking violations. This tool will enable citizens to report unauthorized structures and monitor actions from complaints to demolitions. Responding to Telangana High Court directives, GHMC plans stricter enforcement, including criminal charges and fines of up to 400% for violations. Collaboration with the Stamps and Registration Department will flag properties with 'unauthorized construction' on encumbrance certificates, deterring buyers. Public awareness campaigns and SOPs aim to reduce unauthorized expansions and safeguard Hyderabad's urban growth and infrastructure.Read more

The Enforcement Directorate (ED) conducted search operations at two Hyderabad premises connected to real estate firms and their promoters under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act. The raids uncovered jewellery and bullion worth INR 5.4 crore, unaccounted cash amounting to INR 72.7 lakh, and incriminating documents. The investigation revealed that these firms defrauded buyers of INR 842 crore through fraudulent practices, including misappropriating INR 216.9 crore in cash. Further irregularities were found, such as high-value property transactions and unaccounted funds. Despite summonses, the promoters remained non-cooperative, obstructing the probe. Previously, assets worth INR 161.5 crore had been attached in connection with the case.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Hyderabad Disaster and Response Asset Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) clarified that residential properties built before July 2024 are exempt from its regulations, but unauthorised commercial buildings will face demolition. Commissioner AV Ranganath emphasized protecting water bodies and curbing illegal construction, particularly near Kamuni Cheruvu and Maisamma Cheruvu lakes in Kukatpally and Moosapet. He criticised Vasavi Group for delaying a flood canal project, exacerbating monsoon flooding in nearby slums, and directed its completion by next monsoon. HYDRAA aims to safeguard urban water bodies, tackle encroachments, and ensure proper urban development, urging residents to actively participate in these efforts.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Telangana High Court has mandated the removal of unauthorised structures along the Musi River, supporting the Musi Riverfront Development Project in Hyderabad. The court instructed agencies like HYDRAA to issue notices to encroachers and conduct a socio-economic survey to rehabilitate displaced residents. The ruling emphasises preventing sewage pollution and compensating affected landowners. Opposition parties have criticised the move, citing inadequate notice for demolitions. The project aims to restore the river's ecological health, improve urban landscapes, and enhance transport networks. While transformative for Hyderabad, the initiative faces challenges in balancing environmental goals with residents' rights and urban development priorities.Read more

PNT Reporter

Phase 2 of the Hyderabad Metro is set to cover 76.4 kilometers across five corridors, down from the initially planned 116.4 kilometers, with the proposed fourth city Metro connectivity of 40 kilometers on hold. Expected to serve 800,000 passengers daily, this phase prioritizes immediate urban mobility needs. The first construction focus will be a 7.5-kilometer expansion of the Old City corridor, with demolitions anticipated by the end of the year. The project will also introduce a double-decker flyover and utilize modern construction techniques to accelerate development.Read more

PNT Reporter

Western Hyderabad, a hotspot for prime real estate, has become a center for unauthorized construction, with nearly 40% of the city's illegal buildings concentrated in the region. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) identified 1,500 such structures citywide this year, demolishing 1,000, primarily in areas like Moosapet, Kukatpally, and Chandanagar. Violations include unauthorized extra floors, encroachments, and deviations from approved plans. Some property owners exploit legal loopholes, misuse permits, or secure unauthorized utility connections. Following incidents like the demolition of a tilted building in Siddique Nagar, GHMC launched surveys to address violations, focusing on congested zones. Stricter enforcement aims to curb this growing issue.Read more

PNT Reporter

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) demolished a five-storey building in Gachibowli for being constructed without proper permissions. Built on a 50-square-yard plot, the structure posed safety risks after excavation on an adjacent plot damaged its pillars. The neighbouring plot owner failed to meet setback requirements, prompting a police case. GHMC is consulting legal experts to take further action against the building's owner, who had been paying utility bills despite lacking approvals. This incident underscores the challenges of unauthorised constructions in Hyderabad, with authorities pledging stricter enforcement of building norms to ensure safety in the city's rapidly expanding areas.Read more

PNT Reporter

In response to criticism over delays in building permission approvals, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has set a deadline for officers to clear applications within 10 days. A special drive has been launched to reduce pending applications older than 30 days, with positive results already observed. From June to October, HMDA received 1,884 applications, marking a 396 increase compared to the previous year. The disposal of applications has also risen by 14%, showcasing improved efficiency. HMDA Metropolitan Commissioner Sarfaraz Ahmad expressed confidence that these measures would continue to improve the approval process and address concerns from developers and builders.Read more

The Telangana government has initiated the Metro Rail Project Phase II, covering a total of 116 km, including a significant stretch from Shamshabad Airport. While field surveys are ongoing for this section, the remaining five corridors totalling approximately 76.4 km will be taken up immediately. Emphasising the project's importance in reducing traffic congestion and pollution in Greater Hyderabad, officials highlighted the successful completion of Phase I. The government has also reassessed and revised the Phase II proposals based on experiences from the first phase.Read more