Illegal Construction in Hyderabad’s Old City: A Growing Problem
In Hyderabad’s Old City, illegal construction of buildings has become a booming business. Builders and developers, with the help of local GHMC authorities, are constructing large residential buildings without proper permissions.
The government is struggling to combat this issue. Illegal structures and encroachments are increasing, especially in areas like Santosh Nagar and Saidabad, which have become hotspots for such activities.
The lower-level staff of the civic department are ignoring directives from their superiors, leading to a rise in unauthorized constructions. Resident welfare associations in Santosh Nagar report that Circle-7 has the highest number of illegal structures. Many buildings in this area exceed the permitted number of floors, with some having G+5 and G+6 floors despite only being allowed G+2.
In various localities such as Santosh Nagar, Qalander Nagar, I S Sadan, Banu Nagar, and Mumtaz Colony, illegal construction is rampant. Mohammed Ahmed, a resident, highlighted that around 20 buildings with G+5 and G+6 floors were built in Old Santosh Nagar colony without proper water pipelines, affecting 150 families.
Resident associations accuse the GHMC of granting permissions for large buildings on small plots, sometimes less than 100 sq yards. They blame the negligence of the civic body and allege collusion between GHMC officials and local leaders.
Unauthorized construction is also prevalent in Saidabad Colony, Darabjung Colony, Laxmi Nagar, Dhobighat, Vani Nagar, Vinay Nagar, and Vijay Nagar. Ifteqar, the general secretary of a colony welfare association, pointed out that builders are adding illegal floors to their buildings without permissions.
Despite complaints to the GHMC, no action has been taken. Construction continues rapidly, suggesting that civic authorities and local leaders are complicit in promoting illegal activities.
These illegal constructions have led to numerous civic issues, such as inadequate drinking water, overflowing sewage due to lack of proper pipelines, and parking problems.
Activists believe that due to the laxity of officials, illegal constructions are becoming a significant problem. Ahmed mentioned that while the GHMC’s task force has demolished some unauthorized structures, many remain due to stay orders. He urged state vigilance and other departments to conduct periodic checks and take immediate steps to demolish unauthorized structures.
