Hyderabad, Jan 6 (NationPress) The Telangana government defended the Hyderabad Industrial Land Transformation (HILT) policy on Tuesday, emphasizing its goal of minimizing pollution in the state capital and shielding it from an environmental crisis by relocating polluting industries outside the city.

Industries Minister D. Sridhar Babu addressed the Assembly, stating that the government led by Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has embarked on this groundbreaking initiative to secure a clean and sustainable future for generations to come.

Responding to opposition allegations, he noted that some individuals were intentionally criticizing the government, suggesting a hidden agenda behind this policy.

"Many perceive this as merely a straightforward land transformation. They focus solely on revenue records, stating that land use is changing, with industrial areas transitioning into residential zones. However, I want to clarify through this Assembly that this is not just a land use change. It is a strong foundation our government is establishing for our children and future generations," he asserted.

Sridhar Babu emphasized the current generation's responsibility to safeguard natural resources and guarantee their availability for the future.

"Our aim is not just to modify revenue records through this policy. Our commitment is to relocate industries beyond the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and ensure clean air and water for our children and future generations," he stated.

The minister recalled that Hyderabad's industrial evolution began in the 1970s with the establishment of IDPL. At that time, areas like Balanagar, Sanathnagar, Uppal, Jeedimetla, and Cherlapally were designated as dedicated industrial zones. These regions were situated on the city's outskirts, far from residential areas, and did not pose any health risks.

"Over the past 50 years, Hyderabad has transformed into a metropolis beyond our wildest dreams. The industrial zones that were once on the outskirts are now central business districts, inhabited by countless families," he noted.

He pointed out that an apartment building now stands adjacent to factory walls, with toxic smoke from chimneys entering directly into bedrooms. On one side are residential buildings, and on the other, industries, with the buffer zone entirely vanished. He described this situation as not just a planning oversight, but an open invitation to a major disaster.

The brief discussion on the HILT policy occurred in the absence of the main opposition party, the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS), which is boycotting the session.

The BRS has alleged that under the guise of HILT, the Congress government is selling off 9,300 acres of industrial land valued at nearly Rs 5 lakh crore.

BRS Working President K. T. Rama Rao claimed that lands previously allotted by the government for industrial development and job creation are now being transferred to private individuals.

The government is repurposing industrial lands for residential apartments, villas, and commercial complexes, according to his allegations.