Illegal Constructions Thrive as Officials Turn Blind Eye
Despite notices being served, construction continued unchecked, exposing the nexus between politicians, builders and officials.
Hyderabad:Municipal corporations in the Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) area have failed to curb illegal constructions, with Anjaiahnagar in Gachibowli standing out as a glaring example. Saturday’s collapse of a seven‑storey building that killed two workers is only the tip of the iceberg — dozens of similar structures, over five storeys high and built on 50–60 sq yd plots, exist in the locality.
Despite notices being served, construction continued unchecked, exposing the nexus between politicians, builders and officials. This negligence has endangered not only those living in illegal hostels but also residents of approved apartments. A 25‑year‑old man from Jayadarsini Residency was injured when debris from the collapsed building fell on him.
Residents of Whitefields, a planned layout adjoining Anjaiahnagar, said excavation for such illegal structures was damaging their homes. Excavation is banned during monsoon, yet it was carried out at the collapsed site. “We spend crores to live in safe apartments, but our lives are at stake for no fault of ours,” said a Jayadarsini resident.
The menace is not confined to Anjaiahnagar. Hafeezpet, Kukatpally, Krishna Nagar, Ameerpet, Dilsukhnagar and Chikkadpally are among several areas where illegal multi‑storey buildings have mushroomed, many converted into hostels for students and IT employees. Town‑planning wings have ignored periodic inspections, leaving thousands at risk.
HYDRAA commissioner A.V. Ranganath said numerous unauthorised structures had been built adjacent to stormwater drains in Anjaiahnagar. “Seven‑storey buildings are coming up on plots as small as 50 sq yds, endangering lives. A special drive will be conducted in coordination with the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC),” he said.
Cyberabad municipal commissioner G. Srijana said notices had been issued earlier to the builder of the collapsed structure, which was also sealed, but work resumed illegally. She said all such buildings would be inspected and those without permission demolished.
