HYDRAA Commissioner Inspects Ongoing Violations of Construction Laws in Madhapur

The Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), Sri AV Ranganath, conducted an on-site inspection of an illegally constructed building in Ayyappa Society, located in Khanamet, Serilingampally Mandal, Hyderabad. This inspection followed increasing complaints from local residents and the continued violations of legal orders regarding the construction. Despite multiple official notices from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and orders from the High Court, the illegal construction had continued, prompting the need for a comprehensive review and immediate action.

The building in question is situated on a 684-square-yard plot and has raised significant concerns due to its violation of High Court orders and GHMC regulations. The project, which includes a multi-storied structure with a cellar and ground floor, was constructed along a 100-foot road. Despite the clear instructions from authorities, the construction persisted without compliance, resulting in a series of legal disputes and enforcement actions.

Local Complaints Lead to Inspection

The situation began when residents of the Ayyappa Society area raised concerns about the unauthorized construction. The residents highlighted the construction of the multi-storied building that ignored the GHMC notices and High Court orders. The building was seen as a major issue due to its proximity to a busy road, further complicating traffic and urban planning. Despite previous directives for the demolition of the structure, construction work continued, raising serious questions about the enforcement of local regulations.

The complaints received by local authorities prompted an inspection by the GHMC, which issued multiple notices demanding the cessation of construction. Despite these warnings, the construction continued in direct violation of the legal orders. This led to further action being taken by the authorities, with a visit from Commissioner Ranganath to assess the situation firsthand and understand the extent of the ongoing violations.

Review of Legal Orders

During the inspection, Commissioner Ranganath reviewed the show-cause notices issued by the GHMC Chandanagar Circle officials, as well as the orders issued by the High Court concerning the illegal building. According to the GHMC, the structure had been deemed unlawful, and multiple notices had been sent demanding that construction cease immediately. The High Court had also confirmed the building’s illegality in response to a petition (Writ Petition No. 10030 of 2024) and had ordered action against the structure. Despite these legal orders, the construction had continued without regard for the consequences.

The High Court's ruling had been clear in recognizing the structure as illegal, and the GHMC had initially carried out demolition activities in June 2024. However, the demolition was partial, with a portion of the building being demolished, and the remaining structure was allowed to continue its development. This defiance of the court orders led to the need for further inspections and the eventual intervention of the HYDRAA Commissioner to oversee the enforcement of the law.

Action Against Continued Construction

The ongoing construction in direct violation of legal orders raised serious concerns about the enforcement mechanisms in place. Despite the GHMC’s partial demolition of the building, construction activities resumed, signaling a failure in ensuring complete compliance. Local authorities brought this issue to Commissioner Ranganath's attention, and he responded swiftly by conducting the site inspection.

During the inspection, Commissioner Ranganath ordered that the remaining parts of the building be demolished in compliance with the High Court's directive. He emphasized that the situation was a clear case of disregard for the law and required immediate and decisive action. The Commissioner also instructed the GHMC to ensure that no further construction would take place until all the necessary legal procedures had been followed.

Following the inspection, the GHMC issued a revised show-cause notice, with new instructions for the complete demolition of the illegal building. This notice also made it clear that further legal proceedings would be initiated if the construction was not halted promptly. Commissioner Ranganath's intervention marked a turning point in addressing the violations and reinforced the commitment of the HYDRAA and GHMC to uphold the law.

Legal Proceedings and Court Orders

The illegal construction had been the subject of ongoing legal proceedings for several months. The GHMC had issued multiple show-cause notices to the property owners, with the first notice being issued on February 14, 2024. The GHMC also issued a speaking order on February 26, 2024, directing the demolition of the structure. In response to the petition filed in the High Court (Writ Petition No. 10030 of 2024), the court ordered action against the building on April 19, 2024. As per the Court’s directive, a portion of the building was demolished in June 2024, but the remaining construction continued unabated.

Despite the clear instructions from both the GHMC and the High Court, the property owners persisted in constructing the building, demonstrating a lack of respect for the law. This continued defiance prompted local residents to escalate the matter, leading to Commissioner Ranganath’s involvement. The Commissioner’s inspection of the site underscored the seriousness of the situation and the need for immediate enforcement.

Commissioner Ranganath, after reviewing the legal orders and the ongoing violations, instructed the GHMC to take stringent action to ensure the complete demolition of the illegal structure. He also emphasized that the construction violated not only local laws but also the principles of urban planning and safety, which are crucial for the well-being of the city's residents.

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