GHMC’s 100% fine challenged

Hyderabad: Speakers at a round table conference on Sunday demanded that the state government withdraw the “100 per cent penalty clause on buildings with deviations.”

They said if the government wanted to retain it, they should go for a one-time minimum penalty on constructions within 300 square yards of land and also take action against officials for failing to check illegal constructions.

The Federation of Associations of Colonies and Apartments (Faca) said the recent amendments to the GHMC Act allowing levy of 100 per cent penalty on illegal constructions, was done without consulting the elected body in GHMC.

“Also, it allows officials to levy penalty, year after year, and the choice of whether to demolish the building or not, is purely with the GHMC Commissioner. Why should officials allow illegal buildings to be constructed in the first place and then levy penalties?” asked Faca general secretary Kamesh Babu V.

TD floor leader GHMC, Singireddy Srinivas Reddy, said they would approach the court to remove the penalty clause through an amendment in GHMC Act.

Former CPM MP P. Madhu said the GHMC authorities were trying to collect revenue through penalties while failing to implement rules. The town planning officials should visit the site to ensure the building is as per GHMC rules, he said.