More than 28,000 illegal buildings to be razed, says K Chandrasekhar Rao

Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao has ordered a “merciless demolition drive” against 28,000 illegal buildings in the city to clear encroachments on nalas and lakebeds to save Hyderabad from floods and inundation in future.

Addressing a press conference on Saturday at the Secretariat after reviewing the rain and flood situation in the state and Hyderabad, Mr Rao said that the demolition drive would begin soon after normalcy is restored.

Mr Rao announced the setting up of a flying squad for each of the 24 GHMC circles to demolish old illegal buildings and any illegal building that is coming up now. He asked all parties, social organisations and media to cooperate with the government.

Mr Rao also announced a reward of Rs 10,000 to anyone who alerts the government about any illegal building coming up in their locality. “I warn all not to construct illegal buildings. It will be demolished mercilessly. Don’t waste your money. Whether the builder is a minister, MLA, MP, or anyone else, it does not matter to us,” Mr Rao said.