Telangana High Court pleads for seizure of properties of officials clearing constructions in FTL, lake buffer zones

The Telangana High Court has expressed strong displeasure with officials who approved illegal constructions in Full Tank Level (FTL) and buffer zones of lakes, only to demolish them later. Justice CV Bhaskar Reddy criticized this misuse of public funds, pointing out that payment of compensation for such demolitions is unjustified.

The court warned that officials who allow these illegal activities could face criminal charges and their properties could be seized to recover compensation amounts. Justice Reddy pointed out that such actions would deter officials from making similar mistakes.

The comments came during a hearing on a petition, which alleged that the irrigation department had issued demolition notices for structures allegedly located in the FTL and buffer zones of Mangarshikunta in Shamshabad district. The petitioners claimed that they had received official permission for construction, but later received notices on December 4, demanding demolition within seven days.

Justice Reddy questioned why the illegal constructions were allowed in the first place and directed the officials to follow proper procedures. The court mandated the establishment of FTL and buffer zones first, issuing notices as per law and giving 15 days for responses. The petitioners were directed to produce the relevant documents to challenge the demolition orders.

The court made it clear that while it supports the conservation of water bodies, it strongly opposes irregularities and negligence by officials in handling permits and demolitions.

WHY IS FTL, THE BUFFER ZONE, NECESSARY?

Full tank level or FTL refers to the maximum water level that a body of water can reach without overflowing. In the context of land management, FTL land is the area around a body of water that would be submerged if the water reached its maximum capacity.

FTL is a key factor in urban planning, environmental protection and real estate development. The Telangana government has laid down regulations to protect water bodies and prevent encroachment of FTL lands. These regulations often restrict or prohibit construction and other development activities in FTL areas and surrounding buffer zones.

The buffer zone is the area around the FTL that is kept free of development. The width of the buffer zone varies depending on the size of the lake or stream.