For the past 11 years, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) has been working to identify the Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones for lakes and tanks. However, final notifications for over 3,000 of these lakes are still pending. To date, HMDA has issued final notifications for less than 10% of the 3,500 lakes in its jurisdiction and has yet to complete preliminary surveys for more than 1,000 lakes. HMDA is now pressing collectors to accelerate the completion of these lake surveys.

Following HYDRAA's demolition of illegal constructions trespassing on Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones of water bodies, HMDA has instructed collectors in seven districts-Rangareddy, Mechal Malkajgiri, Vikarabad, Sangareddy, Yadadri Bhuvanagiri, Medak, and Hyderabad-to expedite the lake survey process. The HMDA Lake protection committee (LPC) initiated the lake surveys in 2013.

In response to HYDRAA's recent actions, real estate developers and buyers are now seeking confirmation from HMDA and GHMC regarding the FTL and buffer zones of various lakes. Some buyers are requesting that project developers obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to ensure their properties will not encounter future issues.

GHMC and HMDA have been issuing building and layout permissions based on No Objection Certificates (NOCs) from the irrigation and revenue departments. However, sources have indicated that some of these NOCs have proven unreliable. According to official sources, only 300 lakes have been surveyed over the past two years, and it is anticipated that it will take at least another year to complete the surveys and issue final notifications for all the lakes in the metropolitan area.

After the revenue and irrigation departments, along with local civic authorities, conduct a survey using revenue and other maps, HMDA issues a preliminary notification. This includes maps, survey numbers, the extent of the lake, and details such as coordinates. Once the preliminary notification is issued, the public has the opportunity to submit objections and suggestions. HMDA and the Lake Protection Committee (LPC) then issue a final notification, which includes detailed maps, survey numbers, and information on the extent and water spread area of each lake. Once the final notification is issued, it cannot be altered, according to an official. Officials noted that the survey of many lakes could not be completed because the extent and survey numbers provided by the revenue and irrigation departments did not match.

HMDA has set specific targets for collectors to complete the lake surveys and notifications. Since August, HMDA officials reported that 65 lakes have been surveyed, 269 preliminary notifications have been issued, and 30 of these have been published on the HMDA website. Each lake has been assigned an ID number. Additionally, collectors have submitted details for 51 lakes for final notification, which are currently under review. Some buyers are reportedly requesting that project developers obtain a No Objection Certificate (NOC) to avoid future issues with their properties. GHMC and HMDA have been issuing building and layout permissions based on NOCs from the irrigation and revenue departments, but there have been instances where these NOCs were found to be unreliable, according to sources.

Officials noted that the completion of surveys for many lakes has been delayed because the extent and survey numbers provided by the revenue and irrigation departments did not align. Currently, HMDA has established targets for collectors to finalize the surveys and notifications. Since August, HMDA officials reported that 65 lakes have been surveyed, 269 preliminary notifications have been issued, and 30 of these have been published on the HMDA website. Each lake has been assigned an ID number. Additionally, collectors have submitted details for 51 lakes for final notification, which are now under review.

After 11 years, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) is still struggling to finalize notifications for Full Tank Levels (FTL) and buffer zones for over 3,000 lakes. With fewer than 10% of lakes receiving final approval and preliminary surveys incomplete for many, progress has been slow. Recent enforcement actions by HYDRAA have intensified the push for accurate lake data. HMDA has now mandated urgent targets for collectors, resulting in the survey of 65 lakes and the issuance of 269 preliminary notifications since August. However, the process of completing all surveys and issuing final notifications is anticipated to extend at least another year.