The Telangana High Court has directed the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to address the widespread issue of unauthorised constructions in the Asifnagar locality, specifically in Kummariwadi. With over 350 illegal structures reported in the area, this directive marks a critical step in addressing longstanding civic concerns. The High Court ordered the GHMC commissioner to conduct a thorough inspection of the area, assess the illegal structures, and initiate action, aiming to uphold urban planning standards and accountability. The commissioner has been instructed to submit a compliance report within four weeks to the court registrar, ensuring swift enforcement of the directive.
This ruling was issued by the High Court on 26 October while addressing two separate petitions from local residents. The petitioners raised serious concerns about unchecked development in Asifnagar, emphasising that GHMC’s inaction on the matter exacerbates the issue. During the hearings, one petitioner’s lawyer highlighted the involvement of local authorities in the problem, alleging that an MLA and a corporator in Asifnagar constructed buildings without obtaining required permits, yet the GHMC did not take corrective action. This insight into alleged political influence brings a significant civic perspective to the case, underscoring challenges faced by regulatory bodies in Hyderabad’s rapid urban expansion.
The impact of these unauthorised constructions goes beyond structural violations, affecting the area’s environmental sustainability and quality of life for residents. As unplanned structures emerge in densely populated spaces, issues related to drainage, waste disposal, and traffic congestion intensify. Urban planning experts argue that regularising illegal constructions creates strain on civic resources and erodes the integrity of planned city spaces. With Hyderabad’s urban growth on the rise, unchecked development not only compromises sustainability but also poses a potential risk to public safety.
The High Court’s intervention sheds light on the urgent need for rigorous regulation to maintain urban balance and sustainability. GHMC’s efforts to resolve the situation will be watched closely as residents hope for a solution that not only addresses illegal constructions but also establishes a precedent for proactive, sustainable urban governance.
