The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), in collaboration with the Revenue Department, launched a demolition drive on 26th August in the Raidurg area of Hyderabad. This operation targeted several unauthorised structures built on government land in survey numbers 2, 3, 4, and 5, with the objective of restoring the land to its rightful use and preventing illegal encroachments.
The demolition drive, carried out under strict police security, was initiated early in the morning and aimed at razing down constructions that had been erected without proper authorisation. These structures, occupying government land, were identified as illegal following a comprehensive survey and investigation by municipal authorities. The enforcement teams have justified the action as necessary for maintaining urban order and compliance with land use policies. However, the operation has not been without controversy. Local residents have expressed strong objections, arguing that they were not given any prior notice regarding the demolition of their properties. Many claim they were blindsided by the GHMC’s sudden action, which has led to a wave of protests in the affected areas. The residents allege that they were not adequately informed or consulted before the demolition began, leaving them unprepared and leading to significant unrest.
In response to the demolition drive, a large number of residents have taken to the streets, staging protests to halt the operation. The scene has been marked by heightened tensions, with demonstrators attempting to block the path of the bulldozers and confront the officials. The protesters have demanded a halt to the demolition until a proper dialogue is initiated with the affected parties and more transparent communication is established. GHMC officials have maintained that the demolition is in line with legal mandates and that the structures in question were clearly identified as unauthorised. A senior official from GHMC stated, “This action is part of our ongoing efforts to reclaim public land and enforce the rule of law. All constructions that do not have valid permits or are built on government land without authorisation are subject to removal.” The official further noted that all legal procedures were followed in identifying and marking the structures for demolition.
Despite these assurances, the demolition drive in Raidurg has raised broader questions about urban planning and the regulation of land use in Hyderabad. The clash between development needs and residents’ rights to secure tenure has become a recurring theme in the city’s urban management landscape. The GHMC’s actions underscore the complexities involved in balancing enforcement of legal standards with ensuring fairness and due process for residents, particularly those in lower-income brackets who are most vulnerable to displacement. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the GHMC will manage the backlash from the community and whether additional measures will be taken to address the grievances of the affected residents. For now, the demolition drive continues under heavy police presence, highlighting the ongoing challenges faced by urban authorities in enforcing land use regulations while maintaining public order and trust.
