Hyderabad’s Urban Development: GHMC Oversight Sparks Concern
In a bold move to reinforce urban development regulations, A.V. Ranganath, Commissioner of the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), publicly criticized officials of a local hospital for constructing beyond legally permitted limits. On Friday, he undertook a detailed inspection of Dr. Shankar’s Hospital at RTC Crossroads, following resident complaints about unauthorized constructions.
During the inspection, Ranganath discovered that the hospital illegally extended its structure to a basement plus six floors, despite receiving permission for only four floors from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). Further compounding the issue, the building’s infrastructure closely flanks roads of inadequate width—10 feet on one side and 15 feet on the other. This discrepancy arose because permissions were granted based on claims of a 25-foot road width, an oversight that GHMC authorities failed to verify independently.
Adding to the irregularities, the Fire Department hadn’t issued a clearance for the building. Instead, the hospital management submitted a third-party audit report, a practice that raised red flags. Deviations from approved plans were blatant, with encroachments extending 10 feet beyond boundaries, effectively utilizing public road space.
Criticism wasn’t limited to GHMC alone. The Medical and Health Department faced rebuke for issuing a license to the hospital without ensuring an occupancy certificate was in place. Such oversights not only violate regulations but also jeopardize public safety. Ranganath highlighted a recent Supreme Court order that mandates withholding power and water connections for buildings lacking proper occupancy certification.
Demanding accountability, Ranganath asked GHMC’s Chief Planner for the Secunderabad Zone, Srinivas, to produce a comprehensive report detailing the lapses. His decisive actions send a strong message on the importance of adhering to urban planning regulations and the necessity for transparent processes.
This incident underscores the growing scrutiny on urban development practices in Hyderabad, reflecting citizens’ concerns about safety and governance. It also stresses the need for municipal authorities to ensure rigorous checks are in place to prevent such violations. With urban landscapes rapidly evolving, maintaining structural integrity and regulatory compliance becomes crucial. The enforcement actions are anticipated to restore public confidence, aiming to ensure that future constructions adhere strictly to legal and safety standards.
By taking these steps, HYDRAA and other relevant bodies demonstrate their commitment to safeguarding Hyderabad’s urban infrastructure. As the story unfolds, attention remains focused on how authorities will implement corrective measures and uphold urban development standards.
Published May 02, 2025, 11:33 PM IST. Categories: Telangana.
Original Source: https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/hydraa-chief-lambastes-officials-over-illegal-structure/article69531231.ece
Category : Telangana
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Publish Date: 2025-05-02 23:33:00
