Hyderabad: The GHMC on Thursday demolished 10 dwelling units in Begumpet, citing their location within the full tank level (FTL) of the Hussainsagar. The structures, consisting of concrete walls and tin roofs, were deemed illegal by the authorities.
Residents claimed that their properties were registered and were demolished without giving them prior notice. "Our properties were registered before 2020. The authorities had then said that the area is not in the FTL of Hussainsagar," said Prakash Antarvedi, a owners.
Residents were forced to vacate their homes and move their belongings outside when GHMC officials arrived with earthmovers.
A verification revealed that the irrigation department had issued orders in 2020 stating that these houses were within the FTL of Hussainsagar. The department's orders clarified that although the land was not encroached upon, building concrete structures was prohibited, and only plantation activities were permitted.
"The houses fall in the water conservation zone where concrete construction is not allowed, yet people have erected concrete walls and were living there," explained V. Sammaiah, GHMC deputy commissioner, Begumpet circle.
Officials from the urban biodiversity wing of the corporation were present during the demolition. "In-charge commissioner Amrapali Kata has proposed to set up a nursery here," said Sunanda Rani, GHMC additional commissioner of the urban biodiversity wing.
