These amendments are aimed at encouraging more landowners in full reservoir levels and lake buffer zones to seek TDRs. File | Photo credit: RAMAKRISHNA G
The Telangana government on Friday issued orders to implement changes in the Transferable Development Rights (TDR) policy to make conservation of the city’s lake and water bodies more effective and result-oriented.
These amendments offer 200% to 400% of TDR in lieu of monetary compensation and are intended to encourage more landowners at full reservoir levels and lake buffer zones to seek TDR. These rights can be used or exchanged with builders/owners for concessions in the form of additional floors or relaxation in remote areas.
Under existing building regulations, land in FTL or buffer areas is offered a flat rate of 200%, which has not attracted many owners. The amended rules apply to FTL and buffer zones of lakes, maximum flood level of rivers and also extension of storm water drains in CURE (Core Urban Region) defined as the area within the outer ring, the orders said.
According to the orders, plots falling under FTL or MFL will be compensated with 200% built-up area equivalent to surrendered area and plots falling under buffer area will get 300% of the same amount.
Lands outside the buffer zone, but needed for public purposes related to the protection or development of water bodies, will be provided with 400% of the built-up area equivalent to surrendered land. In the case of private land sought for development, 400% will be provided as in the case of road widening projects, provided that the sought land is not included as part of an existing land in the revenue records.
To make TDRs attractive to land owners, the government has stipulated that in case of high-rise buildings above 10 floors, 10% of the built-up area above 10 floors should be encumbered by TDR utilization.
In cases of free surrender of only a portion of land in MFL/FTL/bumper/nala extension, the land owner may opt for setback mitigation or additional storey for the proposed building on the remaining land. Such reliefs should not exceed the TDR applicable to the surrendered extent, the orders stating the relief applicable to the distance in proportion to the width of the road.
In cases where the owner is not available or where there are title disputes, entries will be made in the TDR Bank detailing the plots and eligible TDRs and kept separately under the custody of the sanctioning authority. The TDR will be issued once the dispute is resolved and the owner comes forward with documentary evidence.
These rules will only apply to lake/river development projects undertaken by government agencies or IALA. All such projects will be separately notified by the government and will invite the land owners to approach the relevant authority, the orders said.
Published – 16 Jan 2026 22:37 IST