Hyderabad, Nov.25 (RAHNUMA): Deputy Chief Minister Bhatti Vikramarka Mallu on Tuesday accused the previous BRS government of converting industrial lands arbitrarily to benefit select individuals without any policy framework or Cabinet approval. On the other hand, the present Congress government has introduced a “transparent industrial land conversion policy” aimed at reducing pollution in Hyderabad city and boosting state revenues without burdening the public, he claimed.
Addressing newsmen after the Cabinet meeting, Bhatti Vikramarka said the previous regime had even altered land use inside the industrial parks for their own people. “We will soon release complete details of how many conversions were done and who benefited,” he noted.
The Deputy CM asserted that the present state government has introduced a “transparent Industrial Land Conversion Policy” aimed at reducing pollution in Hyderabad and boosting state revenues without burdening the public. “Large-scale welfare requires resources. While expenditures rise every year, we have no intention of increasing taxes”, he noted.
Under the new policy, industrial plots with 80-feet road access will be eligible for conversion at 50% of the Standard Market Rate (SOR). The move, he said, ensures equal opportunity and enhances revenue inflow. He explained that areas like Nacharam, Moula Ali, Uppal, Jeedimetla, Balanagar and Kukatpally – once outside the city limits 50 years ago – now host dense residential development around old industrial zones. To make Hyderabad a pollution-free city, industries would gradually need to relocate beyond the Outer Ring Road.
Citing Delhi’s severe pollution crisis, Bhatti said Hyderabad must avoid similar conditions. Courts have also advised phasing out Red and Orange Zone industries from urban areas. “We cannot forcibly evacuate industries, but a transparent and comprehensive policy is the way forward,” he added.
