Tensions Rise Over Demolitions in Manikonda Apartment Complex
Tensions flared in Hyderabad on Thursday when the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) demolished shops located on the property of Anuhar Morning Raga Apartments in Alkapuri Colony, Manikonda. The move led to heated arguments between residents, shop owners, and HYDRAA officials.
During the demolition, grocery, fruit, and vegetable shops on the ground floor of the apartment complex were torn down. Angry shop owners and residents staged a protest, questioning how their shops could be demolished despite their regular payment of taxes to the Manikonda municipality. They expressed frustration with the authorities’ actions.
Residents of the apartment complex claimed there were no allegations of illegal construction or deviations from approved plans. They pointed out that the building had received permissions from the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) in 2016 and an occupancy certificate in 2018. They also stated that the complex adhered to regulations regarding setbacks, floors, and parking provisions.
HYDRAA Commissioner AV Ranganath addressed the protests, explaining that the demolitions were carried out following complaints from several families living in the apartment. The complaints alleged unauthorized commercial activities were being conducted on the ground floor, which is intended for residential use.
Acting on these complaints, HYDRAA, with support from the local municipality, proceeded with the demolitions. Commissioner Ranganath noted that he had visited the area a week earlier, during which residents had raised concerns about commercial establishments operating in the residential complex.
The apartment complex, which consists of over 110 units, was developed by Anuhar Homes Pvt. Ltd. on land owned by N. Rami Reddy of Golkonda Hotels. Both the builder and shop owners maintained that there were no legal violations in the construction or operation of the shops.
The incident has sparked controversy, with residents and shop owners seeking clarity on the legal grounds for the demolitions. The issue highlights ongoing conflicts between residential and commercial usage in urban apartment complexes.
