Danger looms as dilapidated buildings remain untouched in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Despite repeated warnings, civic authorities have failed to act on dangerously dilapidated buildings and fire-prone warehouses located in residential areas.
On April 13, 2023, then chief secretary Shanti Kumari directed Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) officials to vacate unsafe houses and shift hazardous warehouses away from residential zones. Town planning staff in Quthbullapur and Gajularamaram circles carried out surveys and issued notices to owners.
Notices served, but no action taken
Officials were supposed to demolish unsafe structures within three months. However, a News Today inspection found that no action has been taken so far, even as the ongoing rains increase the risk for residents.
In HMT Colony, quarters built 30 years ago for workers of Jeedimetla-based industries have fallen into disrepair. Many staff vacated the premises and moved into rented houses. Some quarters are still occupied by 108 and 102 ambulance workers, construction labourers and GHMC sanitation staff.
Around 200 W-type quarters built 65 years ago in the same colony have also become dilapidated. Employees no longer stay there, though a few have been rented out to outsiders.
“We have already demolished 14 unsafe houses identified earlier. We will conduct field inspections and take up demolition of the remaining dangerous structures,” said Narasimha, deputy commissioner of Quthbullapur circle.
Recent incidents highlight risks
Several accidents underline the urgency of action:
On June 15, 2024, a wall collapsed on a tin shed in Gundlapochampally municipality, killing construction worker Gagan Kumar (56) from Odisha and injuring six others.
On May 7, 2024, seven labourers died when an under-construction building wall collapsed in Renuka Ellamma Colony, Bachupally.
In Sai Sankalpa Nagar, Jeedimetla division, a compound wall of Sairam Apartments collapsed, fracturing the leg of a daily-wage worker from Warangal.
In Cherukupalli Colony, six workers narrowly escaped injury when an old building they were repairing collapsed.
Residents say they are living in fear and want GHMC to act immediately before more lives are lost.