Introduction

Lakes are an essential part of Hyderabad’s landscape, contributing to its ecological balance. However, rapid urbanization has led to illegal encroachments on lake lands, threatening these vital resources. In response, the HYDRA Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection initiative has stepped up efforts to protect lakes, ensuring that construction around them complies with regulations, particularly concerning the Full Tank Level (FTL) and Buffer Zones.

For real estate customers, it’s critical to understand how to verify whether a property is located within these restricted areas. This blog will explain how to use various online resources such as Bhuvan, Dharani, Prohibited Properties Telangana, and lakes.hmda.gov.in to check if a property falls within a lake’s FTL or Buffer Zone.

How HYDRA is Protecting Lakes

HYDRA’s lake protection measures are primarily focused on enforcing regulations that prevent illegal construction around lakes. Here are the key aspects of how Hydra works:

  • Full Tank Level (FTL) Protection: The FTL marks the maximum capacity of a lake. Any construction within this level is prohibited. HYDRA ensures that these boundaries are respected.
  • Buffer Zone Enforcement: Buffer Zones around lakes act as safety margins, preventing urban sprawl from disrupting the lake's natural environment. HYDRA enforces guidelines to prevent any unauthorized development in these zones.
  • Monitoring and Technology: By using Geographic Information Systems (GIS) and real-time data, HYDRA monitors encroachments and intervenes swiftly to protect lake boundaries.

How to Check if a Property Falls Under Lake FTL or Buffer Zone

When purchasing real estate near lakes, it’s crucial to check if the property is in a restricted area. There are several online platforms that provide comprehensive information on whether a property falls under the FTL or Buffer Zone of a lake. Below are the key resources and how to use them:

1. HMDA Lakes Portal: lakes.hmda.gov.in

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has created an interactive portal specifically for lakes and water bodies within its jurisdiction. The website offers lake maps, FTL data, and Buffer Zone information.

  • How to Use It:
    1. Visit the website lakes.hmda.gov.in.
    2. Enter the details of your property’s location, such as the survey number or area.
    3. The map will show the lake's boundaries, its FTL, and the surrounding Buffer Zones.
    4. If your property falls within these boundaries, it will be flagged as restricted for construction or development.

This tool is essential for any real estate transaction near lakes as it provides precise geographical boundaries and restrictions around water bodies.

2. Bhuvan: Satellite-Based Survey Mapping

The Bhuvan Panchayat Portal, developed by ISRO, provides a detailed satellite-based mapping system. It’s a valuable tool for real estate buyers looking to check if their property is near restricted zones like lakes.

  • How to Use Bhuvan:
    1. Visit the Bhuvan Panchayat Portal.
    2. Navigate to Telangana and select your specific area or village.
    3. Enter the survey number of your property to retrieve detailed geographical information.
    4. Bhuvan will display the location of your property along with proximity to lakes, FTL lines, and Buffer Zones.

This satellite-based system ensures accuracy in locating the property, giving you a clear idea of whether it is near restricted lake areas.

3. Prohibited Properties Telangana: Restricted Zones Based on Survey Numbers

The Telangana government provides a portal that lists all prohibited properties, especially those in restricted zones such as FTL or Buffer Zones, based on survey numbers.

  • How to Use It:
    1. Go to the Prohibited Properties Portal.
    2. Enter the survey number of the property.
    3. The portal will show whether the property is listed as restricted, either due to proximity to lakes or other zoning regulations.

This tool is crucial for ensuring that the property you're looking to purchase isn't on the government’s prohibited list, which could lead to legal complications later.

4. Dharani Portal: Land Records and Mapping

The Dharani Portal is an integrated land records system that allows users to check survey numbers and property information. It includes GIS-based maps that display the location of properties in relation to village boundaries and restricted zones, including lakes.

  • How to Use Dharani:
    1. Visit the Dharani Portal.
    2. Select the district and village where your property is located.
    3. Enter the property’s survey number.
    4. The portal will display the exact mapping of the property, including its proximity to any restricted areas such as lakes or FTL/Buffer Zones.

This platform gives you detailed insights into land records and helps confirm whether the property is in compliance with zoning regulations.

Conclusion

Hydra’s initiative to protect lakes is an essential part of preserving Hyderabad's ecological balance. However, it’s equally important for real estate buyers to do their due diligence. By using online resources like HMDA Lakes Portal, Bhuvan, Prohibited Properties Portal, and Dharani, you can easily verify whether a property falls under the Lake FTL or Buffer Zone before making any purchase.

Ensuring compliance with these regulations not only safeguards your investment but also contributes to the conservation of Hyderabad’s lakes.