HYDRAA Demolishes Illegal Shops in Alkapur Colony Amid Protests
Tensions flared in Alkapur Colony, Manikonda, on Thursday as HYDRAA enforcement teams, supported by police, demolished illegal commercial establishments in the Anuhar Morning Raga Apartments.
The demolition targeted unauthorized businesses operating in a building originally approved for residential purposes. Residents and shopkeepers protested the action, with residents claiming the building had all necessary approvals and shopkeepers arguing they had been paying taxes to the Manikonda municipality.
The Anuhar Morning Raga Apartments were built in 2016 and received a No Objection Certificate (NOC) and occupancy certificate from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) in 2018. Although approved as a residential complex, parts of the ground floor had been converted into commercial spaces, including a grocery store, a bank, and a supermarket.
HYDRAA officials stated that these changes violated the building’s residential status. Complaints from some apartment residents about the commercial activity disrupting the residential environment prompted the enforcement action.
Shopkeepers strongly opposed the demolitions, claiming they had followed local tax rules and accusing HYDRAA of ignoring their concerns. They also criticized the lack of a proper hearing before the demolitions began.
On the other hand, some residents argued that the changes did not violate construction norms or affect parking, setbacks, or other conditions outlined in the original HMDA approvals.
HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath clarified that the enforcement was preceded by a detailed investigation involving HMDA, HYDRAA, and the Manikonda Municipality. Notices had been issued to the builder, giving ample time for explanations, but no satisfactory response was provided.
Ranganath visited the site and held discussions with the builder and complainants before proceeding with the demolition. “The unauthorized conversion of residential property into commercial establishments, including grocery stores and banks, was a clear violation of legal provisions,” he stated.
The commissioner dismissed accusations of bias, questioning why the builder did not challenge the notices in court if they believed the action was unjustified.
