Renovation drive of old buildings in Hyderabad
It has come to light that many buildings in some areas of Hyderabad, especially commercial establishments are in a dilapidated state. Due to their age, poor quality construction and lack of maintenance, many of these pose the threat of collapsing, thereby endangering lives. In view of this scenario, there is an immediate need to demolish buildings that are beyond repair or renovate them, so that their safety can be ensured.
Need for renovating old buildings:
In light of the collapse of the 80-year old City Light Hotel in Secunderabad recently, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has launched a drive to verify the safety of old buildings. It involves identifying such buildings and demolishing or renovating them. The number of such buildings identified by the GHMC special team currently is 628. Nearly 286 of these have been demolished to date.
Locations where the demolition drive is going on:
Demolitions were carried out after joint inspections by the Engineering and Town Planning staff to identify buildings beyond repair. Thirteen buildings were demolished at Circle 1 in Kushaiguda and Yellareddyguda and nine at Circle 4 in Gowlipura, Purani Haveli, Yakutpura, Pusalabasti, Brahmanwadi and Bada Bazar. Around five buildings were demolished in Banjara Hills and Chintalbasti, five buildings at Circle 6 in Premavathipeta, Shivarampally and Laxmiguda. Besides, three commercial and three residential structures were also demolished at Nala Bazar and Kapra. Residential and commercial structures were also demolished in Bhoiguda. The Town Planning wing of Circle 12 also seized two buildings, a residential building at Taranagar and an Anganwadi Centre in old Hafeezpet.
Repercussions of not getting buildings renovated:
The GHMC has assured the owners of old buildings of sufficient time to carry out repair and renovation work, without any harassment. But at the same time, they have been told that the repair work should be done on a war footing and cannot be neglected. Identification of such buildings is done in all zones, to put aside allegations that they are done only in particular zones. Priority is being given to commercial buildings, mainly establishments along main roads. Building owners are being levied charges that are incurred by the corporation in the inspection and demolition process. It has been specified that the renovation work has to be undertaken by qualified structural engineers. If the repair and renovation work is not completed within the stipulated time, the GHMC would demolish these buildings and levy charges on the owner. It has been found that a sizable number of such buildings are in litigation due to owner-tenant disputes. The stay orders against demolition in such cases would render the GHMC helpless. It would be impossible for the GHMC to identify all such buildings. Hence, it is the moral obligation of their owners to bring it to the notice of the GHMC, so that appropriate action can be taken.
