The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) conducted a demolition drive in Asifnagar on Thursday, May 22.
The operation targeted illegal footpath encroachments along Jhirra Road, a critical corridor connecting key commercial and residential zones in Hyderabad. The GHMC enforcement wing, supported by a substantial police presence, initiated the drive at 11 a.m., focusing on unauthorized extensions of shops, restaurants, and other establishments that had encroached upon public footpaths. Notably, structures outside the City Diamond Hotel and Gowtham Model School were among those dismantled. A JCB was employed to efficiently remove these encroachments, aiming to restore the footpaths for pedestrian use and improve traffic flow.
While the operation proceeded without significant resistance, a brief altercation occurred between the hotel management and GHMC officials. The management requested additional time to vacate the premises before the demolition, citing the 60-foot road master plan as the basis for their construction. However, GHMC officials insisted on the necessity of permits for such extensions, emphasizing adherence to legal and planning norms. This demolition drive is part of GHMC’s broader initiative to remove illegal constructions and encroachments across the city. In recent months, similar operations have been carried out in areas like Nallakunta and Chintal Basti, focusing on reclaiming footpaths and public spaces to ease traffic congestion and enhance pedestrian safety. These actions align with the directives of the Telangana High Court, which has ordered the GHMC to take stringent measures against unauthorized constructions in various localities, including Asifnagar.
The GHMC’s enforcement wing has been actively collaborating with the traffic police to identify and dismantle encroachments that obstruct public pathways and roads. This coordinated effort aims to improve traffic flow and ensure safer conditions for pedestrians and commuters alike . While the demolition drives have been met with support from residents and commuters who benefit from improved road conditions, they have also sparked concerns among local vendors and shopkeepers. Many of these individuals rely on the extended spaces for their livelihoods and have expressed the need for alternative arrangements or compensation. The GHMC has indicated plans to implement a street vendor policy to accommodate such vendors while maintaining public order and safety .
As Hyderabad continues to grapple with rapid urbanization and increasing traffic volumes, the GHMC’s proactive measures to clear encroachments are crucial steps towards creating a more organized and pedestrian-friendly cityscape. However, balancing development with the needs of local businesses remains a challenge that requires careful planning and community engagement.
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