GHMC Strengthens Demolition Norms to Adhere to Supreme Court Guidelines
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has announced that all future demolitions of illegal constructions will strictly follow Supreme Court (SC) guidelines, ensuring due process and transparency. This move follows repeated allegations of arbitrary demolitions and procedural lapses by civic officials. GHMC Commissioner K Ilambarithi has issued comprehensive instructions outlining a step-by-step approach that must be followed by town planning officials and district collectors overseeing demolition drives within GHMC limits. The new guidelines mandate that affected parties receive a 15-day show cause notice, be given opportunities for personal hearings, and that the entire demolition process be video-recorded. The directive is expected to bring accountability and reduce instances of alleged misuse of authority while addressing the concerns of residents and builders. Officials have been explicitly warned that any violation of these norms could lead to contempt proceedings in the Supreme Court, reinforcing the seriousness of the directive.
The implementation of these norms comes as a response to increasing civic grievances, with property owners and developers frequently alleging that demolitions were carried out without prior warning or consideration of legal recourse. The new framework ensures that all notices are sent via email to district collectors in Hyderabad, Rangareddy, Medchal-Malkajgiri, and Sanga Reddy, and that a nodal officer is designated for coordination. Additionally, all notices must detail the nature of the violations, supporting documentation, and a timeline for response. The hearing process will require applicants to sign records under official attestation, and final demolition orders will explicitly outline the reasons for declaring a structure unauthorised or non-compoundable. Furthermore, before executing any demolition, GHMC officials must confirm that no appeals are pending before appellate authorities or courts, adding an additional layer of legal scrutiny to the process.
From a sustainability perspective, the crackdown on illegal buildings signifies a crucial step toward planned urban development and efficient land use. Unauthorised constructions often contribute to haphazard urban growth, straining public resources such as water supply, drainage, and road infrastructure. Ensuring regulatory compliance in demolitions helps deter illegal real estate activities while promoting sustainable development practices. The move also aligns with broader efforts to improve Hyderabad’s liveability index by ensuring adherence to zoning laws and building codes. Going forward, stricter compliance measures could also lead to greater investor confidence in the city’s real estate sector, fostering responsible construction practices that prioritise environmental sustainability.
The civic implications of this regulatory tightening are far-reaching. The guidelines extend beyond demolition protocols to include preventive measures such as requiring an Occupancy Certificate (OC) before allowing possession of new properties. Financial institutions have also been advised to approve housing loans only for projects with valid completion or OC certificates, ensuring stricter compliance from builders. Additionally, GHMC will increase site inspections to monitor construction progress and promptly address deviations from sanctioned plans. Authorities have been instructed to withhold business licences for buildings violating rules, further reinforcing the importance of regulatory adherence. While the new norms signal a shift towards accountability and transparency, the ultimate success of the initiative will depend on their strict implementation and the willingness of municipal officials to act without bias.
