The tranquil lanes of Vayupuri's Armed Forces Officers Cooperative Housing Society (AFOCHS), established in 1963 to provide housing for retired military personnel, are witnessing an unprecedented transformation that has residents deeply concerned.
From Peaceful Haven to Party Central
What was once a model residential community recognized with an ISO award in 2019 for its livability has gradually become a commercial hotspot, particularly for pubs and microbreweries. The 50-acre colony containing 200 plots, originally designed as a peaceful retirement community, now echoes with loud music and nighttime disturbances that continue until midnight.
Residents report that at least five pubs have opened in recent years, with two additional microbreweries currently under construction despite community opposition. The colony that won accolades for its quality of life now struggles with overcrowded streets and constant noise pollution that disrupts the peace residents once cherished.
Safety Concerns and Infrastructure Strain
The influx of nightlife establishments has brought significant safety issues to the forefront. Shyamola Khanna, a former Air Force officer, expressed grave concerns about drunk youngsters creating disturbances and instances of rash driving endangering senior citizens who form a substantial portion of the community.
Parking has emerged as another critical problem, with most pubs failing to provide adequate parking spaces for their patrons. Mani Shishta, a retired doctor who previously served air force officers, highlighted how vehicles parked on roads have effectively shrunk driving space, forcing pedestrians to walk in the middle of the road and creating hazardous conditions for all residents.
Official Response and Regulatory Challenges
When confronted with these issues, GHMC officials acknowledged that while pubs in the area possess necessary licenses, parking violations remain a persistent problem. Zakiya Sultana, GHMC deputy commissioner from Malkajgiri, stated that the corporation would coordinate with traffic police to address parking concerns and take action against establishments operating without proper clearances.
However, residents point to a systemic failure in the licensing process, noting that GHMC rarely enforces strict parking requirements when approving commercial establishments in primarily residential areas. This regulatory gap has allowed pub owners to maximize their commercial space at the expense of community infrastructure and resident safety.
The transformation of AFOCHS colony represents a broader pattern of commercial encroachment into residential spaces across Hyderabad, raising questions about urban planning priorities and the protection of residential communities against unchecked commercial development.
