Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority not free from illegal web

HYDERABAD: While a six-storey building collapsed in Nanakramguda last week, bringing the issue of illegal constructions to the fore in GHMC limits, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority is grappling with a similar menace. The GHMC limits cover less than one-tenth of the HMDA area that is spread over 7,257 sq. km over six districts. It covers 849 villages and more than 20 municipalities/ nagar panchayats.

Illegal structures and layout violations are rampant in over 200 villages and municipalities surrounding the capital. The HMDA has vested the power to give permissions to the gram panchayats. With their callous attitude and political interference, illegal constructions are mushrooming and growing unchecked. HMDA has identified violation in Manikonda, Puppalguda, Nizampet, Pragathnagar, Bachu-pally, Peerzadiguda, Boduppal, Medipally and Peddamberpet.

“Permission is taken for G+2 constructions but highrise buildings have been built with the connivance of panchayat staff.  High-rise buildings are being built on plots as small as 250 sq.yards, which is not advisable,” an official said. With local bodies failing miserably, HMDA took the onus of identifying violators.

HMDA commissioner T. Chiranjeevulu said that they had identified 1,600 illegal structures and illegal development outside the GHMC area. Notices had been issued some time ago and they were taking action on violators. Minister K.T. Rama Rao has told the HMDA staff not to back off from the drive even if there is pressure from different quarters.

Demolition teams move to new areas:

Continuing its demolition drive, the HMDA on Wednesday razed illegal structures in nine areas. Its staff demolished pillars and walls of 24 under-construction buildings at Nizampet, Adibatla, Ameenpur, Neknampur, Peddam-berpet, Thattiannaram, Korremula, Chow-dariguda and Kuntlloor.

Boundary walls of nine illegally developed layouts in Adibatla and Kuntloor were removed. In Balajinagar and Madhuranagar, five under-construction buildings that were violating norms were partially razed by authorities on Wednesday.