HYDERABAD: In a major crackdown on illegal constructions, the three municipal corporations of Hyderabad have identified around 1,500 unauthorised buildings under construction in just a few weeks – matching the number of violations the erstwhile Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) would typically identify in an entire year.The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has already demolished around 500 such structures, while GHMC and Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMC) have identified about 1,000 more violations and initiated action.The crackdown has gained momentum following two recent incidents – the collapse of an under-construction building at Anjaiah Nagar in Gachibowli, which killed two, and the tilting of a multi-storey building in Gopanpally.The demolition drive is largely targeting illegal buildings rising five to seven floors on plots just 50 to 75 square yards, posing safety risks to neighbouring properties, officials said.MMC has demolished more than 100 buildings that were still under construction. Officials are particularly focusing on buildings at the centring stage, when slabs are prepared for additional floors that may exceed the sanctioned height or deviate from approved building plans.We have intensified our drive against illegal constructions across our limits over the past month, as several such structures had gone largely unchecked earlier. Notices and speaking orders are being issued regularly, and demolitions are being carried out within two weeks of issuing the notices. The drive will continue, and officials have been instructed to closely monitor the areas to ensure illegal constructions do not reappear after demolition,” said T Vinay Krishna Reddy, commissioner, MMC.The GHMC, meanwhile, has identified nearly 500 ongoing constructions that are unauthorised or deviate from sanctioned plans. The civic body is preparing a comprehensive action plan to step up enforcement, including the demolition or sealing of such structures.The drive has already covered several localities. On Saturday, GHMC officials demolished an unauthorised cellar, ground floor and six upper floors of a building on a 70-square-yard plot in Begum Bazar.In Red Hills, officials targeted unauthorised third, fourth and fifth floors of a building on a 90-square-yard plot.In Chikkadpally, action was initiated against an unauthorised fourth floor of a building on a 357-square-yard plot.“So far, 473 ongoing constructions have been identified across GHMC limits for being unauthorised or deviating from sanctioned plans. The process of issuing notices and passing speaking orders is underway in accordance with the provisions of the CURE Act. We are formulating a comprehensive action plan for demolition or sealing of such structures. The enforcement operations will continue across all zones to ensure compliance with building regulations and prevent unauthorised constructions,” a GHMC official said.
