HYDRAA removes shutters of illegal shops at Manikonda

Hyderabad:The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency (HYDRAA) on Thursday removed the shutters of several shops at Manikonda’s Neknampur. HYDRAA authorities took action against structures that were constructed to run commercial establishments in residential buildings.

Authorities removed the shutters in the Anuhar Morning Raaga apartment complex after residents of 38 flats complained to HYDRAA, the Manikonda Municipal authorities, and the Narsingi police about the illegal conversion of the apartment’s residential spaces into commercial areas.

Tensions prevailed in the area as HYDRAA officials, accompanied by police officers, attempted to remove the shutters. Residents and business owners created a commotion and tried to halt the demolition drive, but the authorities proceeded with the operation.

HYDRAA stated that residents of the 38 flats had complained about the illegal conversion of the ground floor of the apartment into commercial complexes, despite obtaining permits for residential purposes. The residents mentioned that they had also filed a complaint at the Narsingi police station three years ago.

HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath, along with local municipal officials, conducted a field inspection two weeks ago. During the inspection, the commissioner questioned both the residents and the builder responsible for converting the space into commercial establishments. The commissioner also inquired whether anyone had attempted to blackmail the builder, to which the builder clarified that no such incidents had occurred.

HYDRAA released the building plan, which designated the ground floor as a parking space facing the main road. However, the builder had converted the space into commercial units without obtaining the necessary permissions from the authorities.

At the time of the shutter removal, a vegetable store and a quick commerce business’ dark store were operational. Other spaces, which were planned to host a bank and an electric vehicle charging station, were empty. Officials highlighted that such conversions posed safety hazards.

HYDRAA also pointed out that constructing a strong room required for a bank by closing the elevation corridors could compromise the structural integrity of the building. Officials noted that cracks had already appeared in the structure.

The Manikonda municipal commissioner stated that notices had already been issued. Show-cause notices were subsequently served after there was no response.

Addressing allegations of extortion by certain flat owners, Ranganath stated, “Allegations about demands for money by some flat owners are absolutely false. During the enquiry, I put both sides face-to-face and specifically asked whether there was any blackmail or demand for money in front of everyone. The answer was no.”

The commissioner added, “The builder is trying to act smart and is operating behind the scenes.” He dismissed claims that the agency was acting under pressure from influential individuals as “frivolous.”