In his article entitled, ‘Hyderabad faces 3 disastrous consequences with scrapping of GO 111’ published in ‘The Federal’ T Prabhakar Reddy, a former Consultant-Economist with UN Women (New Delhi) andUNICEF (Indonesia), highlights the disastrous consequences faced by Hyderabad after the scrapping of GO 111, which protected the catchment areas of Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar lakes. The author emphasizes that the move will lead to the displacement of locals, particularly small and marginal farmers who will lose their land to realtors. The cancellation of GO 111, driven by the nexus between politicians, realtors, and builders, will have adverse effects on the local people’s ownership of lands, making it difficult for them to sustain their livelihoods.
Furthermore, Reddy points out that the ecological balance and environment in the area will be negatively impacted due to rampant construction projects, concrete jungle, encroachments, and pollution. The risk of flooding in Hyderabad may increase as the course of floods may change with growing concretization. The author contends that the decision to lift GO 111 will exacerbate economic inequalities in the city, favoring certain areas while neglecting others.
In conclusion, the author advocates for maintaining the status quo and reverting the repeal of GO 111 to preserve the ecological balance, protect the interests of lower middle-class people, and ensure the natural development of the city.
