Recent building collapses in Hyderabad raise alarming concerns about unauthorized construction in the city
Even as official records put the total number of unauthorised structures in the CMC at 800, experts say these numbers are only a fraction of the real count. Though the newly formed Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised structures of late and has even partially demolished around 400 buildings — particularly those coming up on plots measuring just 50 to 70 square yards — experts say that the large-scale problem needs more stringent checks to be put in place. CMC sees over 1K plaints “Almost 80% of buildings constructed on smaller plots in the western corridor are allegedly unauthorised. In the last six months, the CMC has received more than 1,000 complaints relating to unauthorised constructions, with Kukatpally and Madhapur emerging as major hotspots. “Our focus is on structures exceeding 7 metres in height and falling below the 75-metre threshold, where construction is being carried out without the required building permission.
Because it could affect neighbouring structures, however, CMC commissioner G Srijana said complete demolition of unauthorised buildings is not always possible in densely built areas. Therefore, we are removing only the unauthorised floor. You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Hyderabad | Silver Rate in Hyderabad | Bank Holidays in Hyderabad | Public Holidays in Hyderabad | Hyderabad AQI | Weather in Hyderabad | Petrol Price in Hyderabad | Diesel Price in Hyderabad | CNG Price in Hyderabad | LPG Price in Hyderabad Stay updated with the latest Hyderabad news.
A visit to these neighbourhoods reveals that setback norms are routinely flouted,” said SP Anchuri, structural engineer and architect. We have advised the CMC to register criminal cases against those constructing such buildings and initiate disciplinary action against officials found to be involved in or facilitating such unauthorised construction,” said AV Ranganath, commissioner, HYDRAA. Enforcement and demolition drives are being conducted and monitored on a daily basis,” said an official in CMC. Authorities should track whether owners have resumed construction after enforcement action,” said an expert in disaster management and a retired civil engineer from JNTUH. The erstwhile GHMC had conducted demolition drives against unauthorised buildings in Ayyappa Society, Siddique Nagar and KPBH over the past two to three years, they said. We also ensure that power supply is not provided to such structures,” she said.
Within a span of a month in September, an under-construction building in Gachibowli collapsed, leaving two dead, while a multi-storey structure tilted in Gopanpally, forcing residents of a four-storey building to evacuate their homes overnight. The two incidents have put the spotlight back on the issue of illegal constructions that have been plaguing Hyderabad’s western corridor for a long time. The problem is particularly visible in the inner pockets of prime locations such as Gachibowli, Kondapur and Kavuri Hills, where strong demand for affordable rentals and commercial space has fuelled rapid construction. And the rising count of complaints reaching Cyberabad authorities is testimony to that. This is evident in areas such as Ayyappa Society, Anjaiah Nagar and Siddique Nagar, which house hundreds of hostels and commercial establishments. These buildings operate in tightly packed clusters, often on small plots. “During our recent inspection of these pockets, we found thousands of buildings constructed on small plots, with some rising up to seven floors. However, CMC officials say that they are partially demolishing unauthorised under-construction buildings on smaller plots. Violations are identified either through citizen complaints or suo motu inspections by field teams. Experts have raised concern over partial demolition, such as cutting portions of unauthorised slabs, breaking structural joints or demolishing sections of walls while leaving the rest of the building intact. “Partial action may not always prevent owners from resuming construction once enforcement teams leave. Resident welfare associations also point to examples. “Demolishing the entire building is not feasible as it could affect neighbouring structures. We are also planning to bring illegal constructions under Section 22A through CURE Act. Download the TOI App.
