Hyderabad's Unsustainable Vertical Growth

Hyderabad's rapid urbanization is approaching a dangerous model, with 40-50 storey high-rises emerging every few hundred meters. This unchecked growth demands an immediate policy intervention: a strict cap on Floor Space Index (FSI) to encourage horizontal city expansion.

Our fire services are ill-equipped for structures beyond 10-15 storeys, lacking the necessary high-reach apparatus and training protocols compliant with BIS standards. A single incident could overwhelm emergency response capabilities, endangering lives on an unprecedented scale.

Over the next two decades, this trajectory risks transforming Hyderabad into a place lacking clean air and public green spaces. Current air quality is already getting worse; unchecked high-rises will increase pollution, heat islands, and loss of open parks. A balanced approach low-rise developments with integrated walkable neighborhoods, tree cover, and recreational areas or parks offers a sustainable alternative or the day we become a polluted, dangerous for living city is not very far.

Although increase in high rises might gradually decrease the property prices because of higher than demands but will end up leaving us with nearly no public open spaces 

Policymakers must act decisively to preserve nature. Horizontal growth aligns with mindful urban planning principles seen in successful global cities. What are your thoughts on reforming FSI regulations here?