Industry associations push for six-month transition in HILT policy

Industry associations in Hyderabad have urged the government to allow a six-month transition period for the implementation of the Hyderabad Industrial Lands Transformation (HILT) policy. They stressed that no additional charges should be levied for shifting utilities like electricity and water.

Hyderabad: Industry bodies have urged a six-month transition period for Hyderabad Industrial Lands Transformation (HILT) policy implementation, besides seeking that no additional charges be imposed on the units for shifting of utilities.

The Revenue Resource Mobilisation Cabinet Sub Committee held a meeting with different industries associations here on Friday. At the meeting, the industry associations suggested a few measures for the government’s consideration.

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Representatives from Uppal Industrial Area appealed to the government to reduce the conversion charges. Jeedimetla Industrial Area representatives suggested that even without subsidies, the government should allocate land and develop industrial zones between the Outer Ring Road (ORR) and Regional Ring Road (RRR).

The Cherlapally Industries Association stressed that no additional charges should be imposed for shifting existing utilities like electricity and water to new industrial locations beyond the ORR. Cherlapally Industries Association president D Srinivas Reddy explained that many industries had purchased their land parcels around 30 years ago and possessed valid sale deeds.

Conversion charges have been fixed between 30 percent and 50 percent depending on the road width. The government should develop industrial parks beyond the ORR under the Undeveloped Land (UDL) policy and provide necessary infrastructure, including housing facilities for workers, he appealed.

Deputy Chief Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka stated that the government introduced the HILT policy with an eye on the interests of Hyderabad and the State, and emphasized that it would be implemented in a democratic manner.

Amid rising air pollution levels, some industrial estate representatives suggested that if polluting industries were made to relocate beyond the ORR, many would willingly shift. Responding to this, the Deputy Chief Minister said the government was considering all opinions and proceeding in a democratic manner.

He also suggested holding discussions with all industrial associations within the ORR to accelerate the implementation of the HILT policy. Before finalizing the HILT policy guidelines, efforts would be made to incorporate inputs from industrial estate representatives, he added.

Industries Minister Sridhar Babu said that industries should thrive in the State while ensuring minimal pollution, and emphasized that the government was open and flexible regarding the HILT policy.

Excise Minister Jupally Krishna Rao directed officials to compile comprehensive data on lands under all departments, including vacant lands, encroached lands, and available government lands, extending this exercise to district headquarters as well. The Sub-Committee also instructed registration department officials to implement revised land market values from the first week of May.