Hyderabad Urged to Implement FSI Limits for Sustainable Growth

In a bid to foster sustainable development, experts are advocating for the Telangana government to impose Floor Space Index (FSI) limits across Hyderabad. Currently, the city operates without any restrictions on FSI, leading to rampant overbuilding in both commercial and residential real estate sectors. This lack of regulation has resulted in an excessive inventory of unsold properties and significantly reduced the number of new project launches, signalling a pressing need for change. The situation presents a unique opportunity for the Revanth Reddy government to implement FSI limits, a move that could stabilise the real estate market while promoting more responsible urban development.

Historically, Hyderabad has seen substantial land price increases, particularly during the electronic auctions by the Telangana State Industrial Infrastructure Corporation in 2015 and 2016. Developers, attracted by the unlimited FSI, have engaged in aggressive bidding, confident that high-rise buildings would yield substantial returns. However, this unchecked growth poses severe risks, including traffic congestion and overwhelming pressure on the city’s infrastructure. With reports indicating that new residential project launches fell by 52% in the July-September 2024 period, the time for imposing FSI limits has never been more crucial.

The ramifications of unlimited FSI have already begun to surface, with land prices escalating to unprecedented levels. A recent study revealed that Hyderabad has become the second most expensive city for home buyers in India, trailing only Mumbai. As property prices soar, the dream of home ownership slips further away from the middle class, jeopardising the economic balance that has long characterised the city. This trend not only threatens to erode affordability but also risks transforming Hyderabad into a city marked by chaotic development rather than thoughtful urban planning.

Implementing FSI limits is essential for ensuring that Hyderabad’s growth is both horizontal and sustainable, easing the burden on vital infrastructure. Recent initiatives, such as the establishment of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency, signal a positive shift towards more organised urban management. By introducing FSI restrictions, particularly in rapidly developing areas like Nanakramguda and Kokapet, the government can help ensure that all residents—regardless of income—can continue to call Hyderabad home. As the city stands at a crossroads, it is imperative that the Revanth Reddy government takes decisive action to secure a balanced and sustainable future.