Even as official records put the total number of unauthorised structures in the CMC at 800, experts say these numbers are only a fraction of the real count.Within a span of a month in September, an under-construction building in Gachibowli collapsed, leaving two dead, while a multi-storey structure tilted in Gopanpally, forcing residents of a four-storey building to evacuate their homes overnight. The two incidents have put the spotlight back on the issue of illegal constructions that have been plaguing Hyderabad’s western corridor for a long time.Though the newly formed Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has intensified its crackdown on unauthorised structures of late and has even partially demolished around 400 buildings — particularly those coming up on plots measuring just 50 to 70 square yards — experts say that the large-scale problem needs more stringent checks to be put in place.In fact, even as official records put the total number of unauthorised structures in the CMC region at 800, they say these numbers are only a fraction of the real count.
CMC sees over 1K plaints
“Almost 80% of buildings constructed on smaller plots in the western corridor are allegedly unauthorised. The problem is particularly visible in the inner pockets of prime locations such as Gachibowli, Kondapur and Kavuri Hills, where strong demand for affordable rentals and commercial space has fuelled rapid construction. A visit to these neighbourhoods reveals that setback norms are routinely flouted,” said SP Anchuri, structural engineer and architect.And the rising count of complaints reaching Cyberabad authorities is testimony to that. In the last six months, the CMC has received more than 1,000 complaints relating to unauthorised constructions, with Kukatpally and Madhapur emerging as major hotspots.This is evident in areas such as Ayyappa Society, Anjaiah Nagar and Siddique Nagar, which house hundreds of hostels and commercial establishments. These buildings operate in tightly packed clusters, often on small plots.
Small plots
“During our recent inspection of these pockets, we found thousands of buildings constructed on small plots, with some rising up to seven floors. We have advised the CMC to register criminal cases against those constructing such buildings and initiate disciplinary action against officials found to be involved in or facilitating such unauthorised construction,” said AV Ranganath, commissioner, HYDRAA.However, CMC officials say that they are partially demolishing unauthorised under-construction buildings on smaller plots.“Our focus is on structures exceeding 7 metres in height and falling below the 75-metre threshold, where construction is being carried out without the required building permission. Violations are identified either through citizen complaints or suo motu inspections by field teams. Enforcement and demolition drives are being conducted and monitored on a daily basis,” said an official in CMC.
‘Partial demolition ineffective’
Experts have raised concern over partial demolition, such as cutting portions of unauthorised slabs, breaking structural joints or demolishing sections of walls while leaving the rest of the building intact.“Partial action may not always prevent owners from resuming construction once enforcement teams leave. Authorities should track whether owners have resumed construction after enforcement action,” said an expert in disaster management and a retired civil engineer from JNTUH.Resident welfare associations also point to examples. The erstwhile GHMC had conducted demolition drives against unauthorised buildings in Ayyappa Society, Siddique Nagar and KPBH over the past two to three years, they said.However, CMC commissioner G Srijana said complete demolition of unauthorised buildings is not always possible in densely built areas because it could affect neighbouring structures.“Demolishing the entire building is not feasible as it could affect neighbouring structures. Therefore, we are removing only the unauthorised floor. We are also planning to bring illegal constructions under Section 22A through CURE Act. We also ensure that power supply is not provided to such structures,” she said.
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