Function halls face SCB axe

Hyderabad: Le Palais Royal Gardens, Bantia Gardens, Imperial Gardens, Classic Gardens and other function halls in the Secunderabad Cantonment Board area, known for hosting the grand weddings of VIPs, may soon be history.

Most of these venues, automobile workshops and glitzy showrooms were constructed illegally on lease lands (on the premises of the Old Grant Bungalows) that were given to the British Army by the Government of India with restrictions.

The SCB, which has launched a demolition drive against illegal buildings is focusing on removing these “gardens” that have taken over the bungalows of the British era.

“It is just a matter of time. Our demolition drive is on. These halls  had secured stay orders years back. But we are expediting the legal process and will take up demolition once the tangle is cleared,” said SCB chief executive officer Sujata Gupta.

Most of the leased lands given in the 19th century have either been sold, sub-let or are being used for commercial purposes without the permission of the defence estates authorities. The CEO said that many of the premises were taken over to construct illegal buildings due to the intervention of courts and politicians.

Earlier, when construction was going on, defence estate officers had served show-cause notices to nearly 80 per cent of the illegal owners and occupants, but that had no effect.  A Central minister, a a famous club in Secunderabad and several bigwigs are among the illegal owners of the OGBs.

“The order No. 179, dated September 12, 1836, issued by the Governor General-in-Council, states the government can take over defence property at any time after giving a month’s notice, paying the value of the building. Section 6 (2) says the land cannot be sold or used for purposes other than residential,” an official said.