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Hyderabad's illegal construction problem has prompted the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to adopt stringent measures, including technology integration and stricter penalties. Following Telangana High Court orders, GHMC plans to track violations through an online platform, enforce a 400% penalty on offenders, and mark unauthorized structures in encumbrance certificates to deter buyers. Illegal constructions exacerbate urban issues like waterlogging and traffic congestion, often involving unapproved floors or residential-to-commercial conversions. GHMC's new guidelines aim to ensure sustainable urban growth and compliance with planning norms. Success depends on consistent enforcement, public awareness, and departmental collaboration to address this persistent urban challenge.
Hyderabad has long struggled with illegal constructions. Over the last five years, the Telangana High Court has received about 2.5 lakh writ petitions on the subject. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is responding by enacting more stringent policies to address the issue, such as the introduction of an online platform to proactively track infractions and improve enforcement transparency.
The Telangana High Court's order compelling GHMC to take decisive action against unapproved projects prompted the current actions. Unauthorized floors, road encroachments, departures from allowed designs, and occupying private or public property without authorization are examples of violations. According to weekly complaints filed under the Prajavani program, between 40% and 50% of them concern illegal construction. Even though more than 1,000 of these buildings have been demolished this year, GHMC officials acknowledge that many cases go unreported until a complaint is made.
Enforcement actions have historically been irregular and frequently restricted to demolition drives in response to court orders or public uproar. Inconsistent follow-up and suspected corruption have hampered earlier measures to address this problem, such as the imposition of penalties and notices. Now, GHMC wants to take a more methodical approach. Commissioner K. Ilambarithi declared that in order to expedite enforcement, new guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being developed. In addition to a 400% penalty on the initial approval price, property owners who disregard orders prohibiting unauthorized constructions may be charged with a crime under Section 223 of the Building Norms and Standards (BNS) Act.
In order to improve accountability, every complaint-including demolitions-will be tracked via GHMC's web site from the time notices are sent until they are finally resolved. In order to update encumbrance certificates (ECs) with notations showing unauthorized structures, the corporation also intends to work with the stamps and registration department. This program will deter unlawful building practices and assist potential purchasers in identifying houses with infractions.
Urban problems including waterlogging, traffic jams, and strain on public infrastructure are made worse by illegal building. In order to take advantage of tax breaks, some violators get licenses for modest buildings and then add unapproved levels or turn residential buildings into commercial spaces. The present actions taken by GHMC are intended to fully solve these systemic issues and guarantee that Hyderabad's expansion complies with urban planning standards.
GHMC intends to provide a strong deterrence against unauthorized structures and promote sustainable urban development in Hyderabad by incorporating technology, enforcing strict fines, and guaranteeing accountability.
A substantial change in the GHMC's strategy for urban government is indicated by its renewed emphasis on combating unauthorized building. The company wants to address a long-standing issue by utilizing technology, enforcing strict penalties, and designating properties that are not approved. It is anticipated that these actions will serve as a powerful deterrence, improving adherence to urban planning regulations. However, public awareness, regular enforcement, and ongoing departmental cooperation are all necessary for this project to succeed. These steps could open the door to Hyderabad's more sustainable and organized growth if they are carried out successfully.
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