GHMC Cracks Down On Footpath Encroachments

Hyderabad: A crackdown on footpath encroachments across parts of Hyderabad gathered pace on Wednesday, as municipal teams cleared illegal structures at Malkajgiri crossroad with police support. They warned of fines and continued enforcement across the city.

Teams from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), assisted by traffic police, removed temporary sheds, boxes and shop extensions that had taken over pedestrian space. JCBs were used to demolish both temporary and permanent encroachments in crowded stretches, where footpaths had become unusable.

Officials said the exercise is part of a wider drive ordered by the commissioner and is being carried out across six zones. The work continued under police security, even as arguments broke out at some locations between small traders and officials resisting the action.

Municipal officer Srinivasa Rao said encroachments on footpaths and roads will not be tolerated. He warned that strict action would follow if traders continued to set up sheds and structures on public walkways. He added that the drive would continue across the city and violations would invite penalties.

Authorities said pedestrian movement has been affected in several areas, forcing people to step onto the road and increasing the risk of accidents and traffic congestion. The ongoing removals, they said, are meant to restore safe access to footpaths and reduce such risks.

Officials maintained that the campaign will continue in other busy areas, with teams removing illegal structures and monitoring repeat violations.