Hyderabad, Yusuf Guda, Madhuranagar: The lax attitude of Municipal Corporation Town Planning officials in Hyderabad is raising alarms as illegal construction activities continue to thrive across the city. Despite numerous violations of building regulations, the authorities seem to turn a blind eye to the issue, igniting widespread public criticism.
Construction projects that defy established rules are flourishing under the jurisdiction of the Municipal Corporation, and allegations suggest that some illegal buildings are even being regularized if the developers manage to appease officials. This hands-off approach by the Town Planning Department has led to a surge in unlawful constructions, with permits issued for three floors while developers are building five or six floors.
One glaring example is a six-storey building located just a stone’s throw from the Yusuf Guda Municipal Corporation office and within walking distance of the residence of (Maduranagar) Hydra Commissioner AV Ranganath. Despite being constructed in blatant disregard of regulations, the building has yet to attract attention from town planning officials. Recently, the sixth floor and penthouse were also added to the structure, but the authorities have not taken any action against the construction, further raising doubts about the enforcement of building laws.
Another case involves the ongoing construction of a five-storey building that is being completed without the necessary setbacks and required permissions. Locals have raised concerns, lodging complaints with the authorities, yet no action has been taken, leading to growing frustration among the residents.
The matter has escalated to the High Court, with the court expressing severe displeasure over the negligence of municipal authorities in tackling illegal construction. In a recent hearing, the High Court made it clear that no leniency would be shown regarding the failure to curb unlawful building activities. Previously, the court had issued orders requiring the GHMC Commissioner to appear in person after authorities failed to take appropriate action on illegal constructions in areas like Toli Chowki, Yusuf Tekdi, and Nizam Colony.
On December 19, 2024, GHMC Commissioner was summoned before the bench of Justice K. Laxman, where the court expressed its anger over the lack of action from GHMC officials. “The focus on property tax collection seems to overshadow other responsibilities. People are losing faith in the GHMC day by day. With thousands of illegal constructions taking place, when cases reach the courts, the response is indifferent, as if they say, ‘Let’s see.’ Even when complaints are filed, there is no response,” the bench remarked. The court instructed the GHMC Commissioner to hold accountable those responsible for ignoring illegal constructions and take action against them.
As the situation continues to unfold, residents and concerned citizens are left to wonder whether the authorities will finally take the necessary steps to address the growing menace of illegal construction in Hyderabad.