What is 111 GO? Know more about it

What is 111 GO? Know more about it

Hyderabad is a city, which is developing rapidly and increasing its limits over the past few decades. As the city is developing very fast, the requirement of water is more. Nowadays the Government of Telangana brings the water from Krishna, Manjeera and Godavari rivers by using pipelines from different projects to fulfill the water requirement of Hyderabad. 

Reason for This G.O

A few years back ( before the bifurcation of Telangana ) Hyderabad didn’t have any water supply except natural sources. Himayath Sagar and Osman Sagar ( also known as Gandipet Cheruvu) are the two major water resources for Hyderabad. Back then Hyderabad was completely dependent on these two resources to fulfill the requirement of water. If any construction or development of industries takes place in this area, it will affect and pollute these resources. Due to this the water requirement of Hyderabad will be affected and water will get polluted.

Why 111 G.O Hyderabad

In order to protect these two lakes i.e, Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, the Government of Andhra Pradesh passed a GO. No. 111 in March 1996. Before passing this G.O, the government made a committee and conducted a survey about this. Took the suggestions of the Environmental Tribunal.

What is 111 G.O?

As per this GO. No 111, focuses mainly on protecting the catchment areas from where the water must be diverted to Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar. Catchment areas that are mentioned in the GO come under Bio Conservation Zone. The G.O clearly states that there should be no constructions allowed in a 10 km radius from both Osman Sagar and Himayath Sagar. Therefore,  no industrial, commercial, restaurants or any other construction that pollutes water and air are not allowed in this area.

Land use limitations as per 111 G.O

However, Residential constructions are allowed in residential zones only. 60% of the total area must be kept as open space and roads in all the villages of the catchment area. And 90% of the land can be used for recreational and conservation. That means 90% of the area remains under agriculture which is inclusive of horticulture and floriculture to ensure the protection of the lakes.

VILLAGES FALLING WITHIN 10 KMs CATCHMENT AREA OF OSMAN SAGAR AND HIMAYAT SAGAR 

Pros of this G.O

• The purpose of this G.O is to protect the Environmental Resources.
• Water requirements of Hyderabad city will be fulfilled.

Cons of this G.O

• As we know that there are particular restrictions in the villages of catchment zone, no development activities will take place in this area.
• The land value will not increase as there is no development.
• Generating employment in this area is more difficult.
• Most areas are lagging behind despite proper facilities.

Latest Updates on 111 GO

According to Chief Minister KCR, the city no longer depends on these two lakes for its water needs, as the government now draws water from Krishna and Godavari rivers. However, after other reservoirs dried out, the local government tapped the water supplies of Himayat Sagar and Osman Sagar in 2019.

Environmental Activists Reaction

Meanwhile, It would be difficult to simply revoke the government decision, according to eminent environmentalist K. Purushotham Reddy. He also cited the Supreme Court’s “precautionary principle” declared in 2000 when an industrial unit sought permission to operate within 10 kilometers of the catchment region. But Supreme Court denied permission as it harms water bodies. 

Both Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar were not only built for drinking water purposes, but also for escaping and controlling massive floods. In 2020 Hyderabad got flooded resulting in many losses. 

“And if reservoirs like Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar aren’t preserved, the water impact coming into the city will be much bigger, wreaking havoc,” Reddy continued.

According to activist and economist Lubna Sawarth, KCR made a misleading statement on the House floor, when he termed the lakes “redundant.”

These reservoirs also provide quality wind and The Mrugavani National Park between these reservoirs and the entire area acts as a heat absorption unit for the city. Experts warn that if this is permitted to become a reality, the city would turn into a furnace.

Other Environmentalist Opinion

Conservationist Rajendra Singh, who is known as “Waterman of India” and who was one of the water conservation advisors when Hyderabad GO 111 was issued during ex-CM N. Chandrababu Naidu’s time, called KCR’s decision the “biggest disaster for Hyderabad”. He said environmental activists will move to the apex court if needed.

The Government placed a Committee

KCR acknowledged in the state assembly that the sudden repeal of the order could lead to “chaos,” although noted that his government is taking a “gradual” approach. According to the CM, the municipal administration department has been directed to address the issue in stages after establishing master plans and green zones.

Environmentalists Suggestions on 111 Go

However, It’s not the problem of cancellation of GO 111, the challenge begins once it is revoked. Once the government has a special master plan in place that ensures lakes are protected and pollution is prevented and it will be approved by the NGT ( National Green Tribunal). Therefore, The State Government should implement such a master plan, which provides lake protection, low-density housing, and institutions that do not pollute the environment.”

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