It has been reported that the government has made it mandatory to obtain HYDRA permission for any building construction in Hyderabad.
Especially in areas near lakes and ponds, it has become a tedious task to determine whether a specific survey number falls under the Full Tank Level (FTL) or buffer zone.
In such cases, HYDRA will serve as the final authority to certify, after gathering data from the relevant departments and conducting its own surveys.
This development comes as a relief to realtors, as obtaining HYDRA certification will make selling flats or villas easier.
Currently, many buyers have withdrawn from investing in flats and villas due to concerns over HYDRA regulations.
Just as 'HMDA-Approved' and 'DTCP Layout' tags became popular in the real estate business, 'HYDRA Approved' may now be the new sought-after label.
Additionally, HYDRA is gaining more authority and power to handle illegal constructions, with a file pending approval from Chief Minister Revanth Reddy.
The HYDRA commissioner has also sent letters to the GHMC, Electricity, and Water departments, instructing them not to collect property taxes or provide utility connections to properties located within FTL and buffer zones.
It is still unclear whether this will apply only to upcoming ventures or to existing properties as well.