Hyderabad, April 8: The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has refused to halt Telangana’s ambitious Future City project while issuing notices to authorities, demanding full environmental compliance for the massive urban development spanning 30,000 acres.
The southern bench of NGT, headed by Justice Sudhir Agarwal, heard petitions challenging the state government’s mega-plan to build a new capital city outside Hyderabad. Petitioners argued it threatens regional water sources, farmland, and biodiversity hotspots. The tribunal dismissed stay requests but set a four-week deadline for responses.
Future City aims to decongest Hyderabad through sustainable townships, tech parks, and green spaces. Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy champions it as “India’s Singapore,” promising 2 million jobs and ₹10 lakh crore investment over 20 years. The first phase covers Maheshwaram and Fab City areas near Ranga Reddy district.
Environmentalists raised alarms over potential deforestation of 12,000 acres and strain on Musi River catchment zones. “This scale risks irreversible ecological damage without ironclad safeguards,” said petitioner Venu Vinod, a retired forest officer.
NGT ordered the state, Telangana Pollution Control Board, and Union Environment Ministry to submit detailed impact assessments. Key concerns include groundwater depletion, waste management for 5 million future residents, and zero-liquid discharge mandates.
State officials defended the vision. “Future City follows Singapore’s eco-city model with 40% green cover, solar power, and rainwater harvesting,” asserted Municipal Administration Principal Secretary Arvind Kumar. They cited advanced wastewater recycling and vertical farming plans.
The project gained momentum after Mucherla was rejected last year over seismic risks. Land acquisition for 12,000 acres nears completion at ₹25 lakh per acre, drawing global investors like Adani and Microsoft.
Public reaction splits along urban-rural lines. “Hyderabad needs breathing space—this is progress,” tweeted tech worker Priya Reddy. Farmers near the site worry about displacement despite promised compensation.
Industry leaders praised NGT’s balanced approach. “Clear timelines prevent paralysis while enforcing green norms,” noted real estate analyst Srinivasa Gopalan.
As responses pour in, Future City hangs in balance—balancing Telangana’s growth dreams against environmental red lines that could redefine India’s urban future. (Word count: 378)
