The Telangana High Court has taken a strong stance against the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) following the failure to take adequate action against an illegal building structure in Tolichowki. The case revolves around a property that was marked for demolition due to violations of city regulations. Despite initial efforts by GHMC officials to make minimal alterations to the structure, such as creating small holes in the staircase, the demolition was left incomplete. This laxity allowed the building’s owner to break the seals and resume using it for commercial purposes.
Justice K Lakshman, who presided over the matter, expressed serious concern about the inefficiency of GHMC in handling such cases and summoned Commissioner K Ilambarithi to provide an explanation. According to GHMC officials, the demolition was halted due to an ex-parte injunction passed by the city civil court. The civil court’s decision was a result of GHMC’s repeated failure to respond to notices and take action in a timely manner. Despite this, the judge took a critical view of the situation, pointing out that the inaction of GHMC had allowed the illegal structure to remain operational, undermining the rule of law and urban planning standards.
The judge directed the GHMC commissioner to review the status of similar cases and submit a detailed report by December 22. The incident highlights the deep-rooted challenges in urban governance, particularly regarding illegal construction, zoning violations, and the ineffective enforcement of building regulations. While the city continues to grow rapidly, the lack of coordination between civic bodies and regulatory authorities exacerbates the problem.
From a sustainability perspective, the persistence of illegal buildings not only violates urban development norms but also contributes to long-term environmental damage. These illegal structures often lack adequate planning for waste disposal, water conservation, and energy efficiency, which can have detrimental effects on the city’s resources. If such buildings are left unchecked, they become a drain on public resources and hinder sustainable urban development. The need for stricter enforcement of regulations and better governance is now more pressing than ever.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by Hyderabad in maintaining its civic standards amidst rapid urbanisation. With the city’s growth outpacing the effectiveness of regulatory bodies, it’s crucial that such issues are addressed promptly to ensure the well-being of its residents and the integrity of its infrastructure. The GHMC’s response will be under close scrutiny in the coming weeks, and the court’s intervention may mark a turning point in tackling illegal constructions in Hyderabad.
