Hyderabad: An Anti-Corruption Bureau officer said Serilin-gampally, where the building that collapsed was situated, is the golden goose for GHMC staff from deputy municipal commissioners to assistant city planners and section officers.
Civic officials and builders work to mutual benefit, with disastrous consequences for the public. This explains why there are so few complaints of illegal buildings or violations coming from this fast developing sector.
ACB deputy superintendent of police V. Ravi Kumar, taking the example of the Nanakram-guda building collapse, said: “There is mutual consent between town-planning officers and builders. The kickbacks depend on the violation — whether it is a deviation, or illegal floor, or an illegal building. There are not many complaints unless the demand of a bribe is made to a genuine builder who may complain. Even the deputy commissioners do not react to complaints, if any.”
The GHMC’s vigilance officer added, “A majority of cases are of the officer allowing construction of illegal floors. The builder seeks permission for G+3 but another two floors are illegally constructed. Also, a large percentage of deviation (from the sanctioned plan) is allowed, like a pent house, flats in the parking area, flat area equal to the plinth area.”
“Town planning officers themselves advise the clients to approach the court for a stay by filing misleading petitions. Once an injunction order is issued by the court, the building will not be demolished by the GHMC. Both builders and officers collude for each other's benefit. When a complaint is filed with the Vigilance department, the court order not just protects the builder, but the officers too.” There are over 6,000 cases of illegal buildings pending in the courts.
The GHMC is contemplating the setting up of a tribunal to hear these cases. Municipal minister K.T. Rama Rao is in talks with the government for the same.
