Hyderabad's illegal construction crisis, with 250,000 writ petitions in five years, has prompted the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to introduce an online portal for tracking violations. This tool will enable citizens to report unauthorized structures and monitor actions from complaints to demolitions. Responding to Telangana High Court directives, GHMC plans stricter enforcement, including criminal charges and fines of up to 400% for violations. Collaboration with the Stamps and Registration Department will flag properties with 'unauthorized construction' on encumbrance certificates, deterring buyers. Public awareness campaigns and SOPs aim to reduce unauthorized expansions and safeguard Hyderabad's urban growth and infrastructure.
Illegal constructions have become a significant issue in Hyderabad, with around 250,000 writ petitions filed in the Telangana High Court over the past five years related to this problem. In response, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is implementing new measures to address these violations. A key initiative is the development of an online portal that will help track illegal constructions more effectively. This portal will allow citizens to report violations and monitor the progress of complaints from the initial notice to potential demolition.
The move to enhance monitoring comes after the High Court directed the GHMC to take stringent actions against unauthorized buildings. These violations encompass a wide range of activities, including constructing additional floors without permission, encroaching on public land, and altering approved building plans. According to GHMC officials, a significant portion of complaints received during the Prajavani program 40% to 50% relate to illegal constructions.
This year alone, the GHMC has demolished over 1,000 unauthorized structures, but many property owners continue to evade detection. Currently, enforcement actions are often initiated only after complaints are lodged. To strengthen their approach, the GHMC is developing guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) aimed at preventing illegal constructions. Property owners who ignore orders against ongoing violations may face criminal charges as well as hefty fines, potentially reaching up to 400% of the original fee for their violations.
Another significant part of GHMC's strategy involves collaborating with the Stamps and Registration Department to add a notation of "unauthorized construction" on encumbrance certificates (EC). This official document verifies property ownership, and including such a notation would help potential buyers identify properties with illegal constructions. GHMC Commissioner K. Ilamberithi emphasized that this change would serve as a deterrent for property owners considering illegal modifications.
In addition to these measures, the GHMC is also focusing on educating the public about the risks of unauthorized constructions. Many property owners often secure permits for smaller buildings and then expand them without approval, or they convert residential properties into commercial ones while benefiting from lower tax rates. By raising awareness and increasing transparency in property transactions, the GHMC aims to reduce the prevalence of illegal constructions in the city.
As the city continues to grow, the GHMC's proactive approach in tackling illegal constructions is crucial. The combination of an online reporting portal, stringent penalties, and collaboration with other departments aims to create a more regulated environment for property development in Hyderabad. These efforts not only seek to maintain the city's infrastructure but also protect the rights of lawful property owners and ensure the safety of its residents.
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