Hyderabad: Ignorance of law is no excuse. Unwary buyers have often fallen prey to crafty builders who produce the SCB-sanctioned plan and sell illegal buildings. The buyers are not aware that the buildings, which have been built in contravention of the sanctioned plans, will be knocked down.
Mr Prashanth Kumar of Sarawasti Enclave, whose house was demolished on Tuesday, said, “I am still repaying my bank loan, but the house has been demolished. The builder had assured us that the building was approved. The SCB should have taken action in 2003 when the houses were being constructed… overnight we became homeless. If it is a shop it can be shifted, but it is our home, we are on the road.”
Banks are refusing to grant loans to applicants buying properties in the SCB area, as many houses have been demolished and the buyers have stopped repaying loans.
SCB CEO Sujata Gupta said, “For every property purchased in the SCB area, buyers should approach the civic body and verify the approved plan and vacant records, but majority don’t do so. Builders don’t even apply for completion certificates. Buyers are investing their money but falling prey to builders.
Earlier, the SCB would not approve unauthorised layouts. Since 2013, it is approving buildings with penalties. Unauthorised buildings falling within the floor index space are being regularised.
