With Monsoon predicted to reach the city in a few days, Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is preparing a major drive to demolish the city's old and dilapidated building. The civic body launched this action as a precautionary measure to avoid any untoward incidents during the rains and safeguard human lives. 

GHMC Monsoon Action Plan

Every year prior to the beginning of Monsoon, GHMC conducts a survey to identify old and dilapidated structures and implement necessary steps. In the past four years, GHMC has demolished between 1400  to 1500 old buildings. This year Town Planning officials have been told to conduct a quick survey and identify the old structures in respective areas and forward the same to the Engineering department for a report on structural stability. 

Also, review pending reports, prepare an action plan to take measures against dilapidated structures and ensure the demolition of all old buildings in Hyderabad. Precautionary steps should be taken in the case of dangerous buildings, such as vacating residents, sealing buildings, blocking around the structure, and showing alert advising the public not to travel around the structure.

No new cellar excavation are permitted during the rainy season, instructions would be given to take all standard safety precautionary measures in case of the already dug cellar which works are in progress. If cellars are already dug, but no work is going on, then the safety of the surrounding structures must be checked. Also, immediate action should be taken to close the cellar.

As in the case of the owner's non-compliance, notices will be given by the GHMC Act, and action against violators would be taken. In the case of sloppy terrains and hilly areas, especially in Banjara Hills and Jubilee Hills, measures should be taken to vacate people living in temporary structures to avoid any loss of human lives.

The GHMC special drive is expected to demolish all old properties in Hyderabad and ensure safe occupancy.

By: Shailaja K