In a significant development, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) specialised task forces have commenced robust actions against the proliferation of unauthorised constructions within the city’s precincts.
After nearly three years since their inception, these task forces have now been mobilised to identify and dismantle illicit structures. According to recent data released by GHMC officials, a notable tally of 481 structures have been razed across six administrative zones over the past quarter. While no explicit targets were set, the task force units have been instructed to demonstrate tangible outcomes on a daily basis, underscoring a heightened commitment to enforcement. Constituted in 2021 pursuant to the TS-bPASS (The Telangana State Building Permission Approval and Self Certification System) Act of 2020, these task forces operate with a singular objective: to uncover and address unauthorised constructions and layouts. By establishing direct reporting lines to respective zonal commissioners, the GHMC effectively streamlined enforcement efforts, diminishing bureaucratic hurdles.
A key strategy employed involves randomised team allocation for verification and enforcement activities, preventing personnel from becoming entrenched in specific areas. Prompt site inspections, triggered by complaints lodged through diverse channels including the My GHMC App, website, and social media platforms, facilitate proactive intervention. GHMC Commissioner D. Ronald Rose said, “Task forces have been actively deployed for the past three months. Civil suits are no more a hindrance. If there is a status quo order, it applies equally to the builder who should desist from going ahead with the construction. As soon as the stay is vacated, we are taking action. Notices are being issued as per procedure before taking up demolition work. A total of 151 structures were pulled down in Kukatpally zone and with 151 and 94 demolitions respectively, followed by Secunderabad, LB Nagar, Charminar, and Khairatabad recording 82, 75, 40, and 39 demolitions each.
