Hyderabad is facing severe infrastructure challenges, with even minor rain causing major disruptions. Dubbed the ‘City of Pearls,’ this city is now grappling with the dangers of unchecked construction due to its unique unlimited Floor Space Index (FSI) policy, unlike other major Indian cities such as Mumbai, Bengaluru, New Delhi, and Kolkata, where FSI is capped at around 2-2.5.
In Hyderabad, developers exploit the lack of FSI limitations, often constructing over 5 lakh square feet on just one acre, far exceeding the ideal 1 lakh square feet for urban areas. Some projects even reach 10 lakh square feet per acre, creating an unsustainable urban environment.
Experts warn that if the Telangana government does not impose FSI restrictions, the city’s infrastructure will collapse. Traffic congestion and water shortages will worsen, surpassing even Bengaluru’s current issues. The strain on roads, drainage, and resources will be immense, pushing Hyderabad toward an urban crisis.
Wealthy developers are reaping profits from unlimited FSI, while the city faces a looming collapse. Real estate insiders stress that it’s crucial to curtail this practice to safeguard Hyderabad’s future.
Residents like Kishore Manchala, a software professional, suffer daily from traffic snarls in areas like Mindspace and HI-TEC City. Many choose to avoid these areas during rush hours, fearing gridlocks.
Telangana Chief Minister Anumula Revanth Reddy previously highlighted the dangers of excessive construction, noting the impact on traffic and infrastructure. He criticized the former BRS government for permitting large-scale developments, which increase the number of vehicles on the road and strain drainage systems.
Despite the Chief Minister’s warnings, the Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) Department, Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), and Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) have not taken action against the unlimited FSI. The MA&UD portfolio, held by the Chief Minister, raises concerns about potential benefits for officials from the current policies.
FSI is crucial for urban planning, determining how much built-up area is allowed on a plot. High FSI can boost property value, as developers can build more, but unlimited FSI without regulation leads to overcrowded and poorly serviced areas. In global cities, FSI may be higher in specific areas for skyline enhancement, but Hyderabad’s blanket approach poses significant risks.
