The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is grappling with an increasing number of complaints concerning illegal constructions and encroachments across the city.
Since the beginning of this year, a staggering 955 complaints have been registered under the Prajavani programme, with nearly half focused on unauthorised structures. As the civic body faces growing frustration from residents, the town planning wing has been inundated with up to 450 complaints alone, making it the primary focus among over 15 different municipal wings. Held every Monday, the Prajavani programme serves as a crucial platform for citizens to voice concerns, and this surge in complaints on illegal constructions has raised alarm bells for the authorities. The programme, which has become a vital mechanism for civic engagement, reveals a worrying trend: 40-50% of the complaints pertain to unlawful buildings that not only flout zoning regulations but also bypass structural norms to circumvent the law.
GHMC has taken steps to improve the accountability and transparency of its processes. The civic body has developed an online portal that allows officials to track complaints from the moment a notice is issued to the final stages of sealing and demolition. This system ensures that appropriate action is being taken and provides detailed documentation of the steps taken against violators. This initiative aims to streamline the enforcement of building norms and ensure more effective management of grievances. However, the problem persists. One of the key challenges lies in the common tactic used by some builders and property owners. They often receive initial permissions to construct a ground-plus-one or two-floor building, only to covertly add extra floors at a later stage. In many cases, these additional stories are used for commercial purposes, despite the properties being listed as residential and subject to lower tax rates. Such violations not only impact urban planning but also exacerbate overcrowding and strain the city’s already overstretched infrastructure.
The GHMC has also faced internal challenges. Recently, 27 engineers working on an outsourcing basis in the town planning wing were terminated due to their involvement in corrupt practices, further tarnishing the body’s reputation. This, coupled with the inefficiency in dealing with illegal construction, has compounded the city’s regulatory problems. The termination of these employees underscores the need for greater oversight within municipal departments. One of the most significant issues lies in the difficulty of enforcement and monitoring in a rapidly expanding city. Building owners often exploit regulatory loopholes, adding illegal floors or converting properties for commercial use without permission. These actions severely undermine the effectiveness of the GHMC’s zoning regulations. Furthermore, GHMC’s tax assessment methods often fail to catch discrepancies in the classification of properties, allowing violators to evade proper taxation.
Despite these issues, GHMC officials are determined to confront the growing challenge head-on. However, many officials and urban experts stress that the issue of unauthorised construction cannot be solved by enforcement alone. There is a pressing need for better planning, transparent procedures, and more robust coordination between various municipal departments. Building developers, in particular, have been accused of bypassing regulations by continuing to receive permissions from GHMC’s planning wing while violating construction limits. Moreover, property owners of unauthorised buildings often exploit the lack of consistent monitoring, knowing that it may take months or even years before action is taken.
An expert from the GHMC’s urban planning department mentioned that although the civic body regularly conducts surveys and assessments, there is still a significant gap in enforcement. “We can inspect properties and issue notices, but the legal process is slow, and there are frequent delays in taking action. We need to ensure that the laws are followed from the outset, which means stricter monitoring of construction activities,” said the official. For the residents, the increasing encroachments and illegal constructions have become a growing source of frustration. They contend that the presence of such structures diminishes the quality of life, poses safety hazards, and often leads to issues such as overcrowding, improper drainage, and increased traffic congestion. The rapid pace of urbanisation in Hyderabad has outpaced the planning efforts of local authorities, leaving the city’s infrastructure to deal with the consequences of unregulated growth.
This issue also highlights the growing concern over the long-term sustainability of Hyderabad’s urban environment. With a vision to create a smart, eco-friendly, and sustainable city, urban experts argue that unchecked constructions are detrimental to the city’s goals of achieving a zero-carbon footprint and creating equitable living spaces for all residents. As the city expands, it will be essential for GHMC to not only curb illegal constructions but also ensure that future developments adhere to sustainable and environmentally friendly building practices. In light of these challenges, it is becoming increasingly clear that a more comprehensive approach to urban planning is required. While enforcement and accountability measures are essential, they must be supported by systematic urban policies that foster sustainable and inclusive growth. For Hyderabad to continue growing in a way that benefits all residents, both in the short and long term, a shift towards responsible development is crucial.
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