Secunderabad Cantonment Residents Demand Special Audit Over Alleged Revenue Leakage
Residents of Ward-8 in Secunderabad Cantonment have taken a decisive step by submitting a formal petition to multiple high-level authorities. Through email, they have reached out to the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, the Union Ministry of Defence, and senior defence estate officials, calling for a special audit and criminal investigation into alleged revenue leakage and regulatory violations within the Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB).
Allegations of Dual-Record System and Regulatory Breaches
According to the petition, residents allege that the SCB engineering department has been operating a "dual-record system". This system reportedly shows sanctioned building plans as compliant with approved land use, setbacks, and height restrictions, while actual constructions on the ground deviate significantly from these approvals. Specific violations highlighted include:
- Zero-setback structures that encroach on designated spaces.
- Unauthorised commercial activities in properties classified as "reading rooms".
- Permanent constructions on land earmarked for gardens, altering intended use.
The residents claim that property tax assessments are conducted only on the sanctioned built-up area, leaving additional constructed and commercially exploited areas untaxed. They argue that this discrepancy has led to a substantial loss of revenue to the defence exchequer over several years, impacting public funds and governance integrity.
Security Concerns and Boundary Enforcement Issues
The petition also raises serious security concerns, stating that the alleged failure to properly survey and enforce cantonment boundaries has allowed civilian high-rise buildings to emerge close to sensitive defence zones. This is particularly noted along the Bolarum–Rajiv Rahadari corridor, where the absence of clear boundary enforcement poses long-term security risks. Residents assert that such lapses could compromise defence preparedness and public safety in the region.
Specific Instances of Alleged Inaction
The complaint cites several specific instances to support their claims:
- Alleged inaction on a notice issued on January 29, which called for a technical survey of building deviations, indicating delays in regulatory compliance.
- Continued commercial use of a Bolarum reading room for decades, despite its classification for non-commercial purposes.
- Delays in issuing a no-objection certificate for a national flag mast project, hindering community initiatives.
- Permission granted for basic utilities to informal hutment structures on land recorded under a General Land Register (GLR) number, raising questions about land management practices.
Requests for Action and Official Response
In their petition, residents have requested that the CAG conduct a special land and revenue audit of the Secunderabad Cantonment. They also urge the Ministry of Defence to initiate vigilance and enforcement actions against officials found responsible for the alleged violations. Copies of the petition have been addressed to senior defence estate authorities and the General Officer Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Command to ensure comprehensive oversight.
Responding to the allegations, Arvind Dwivedi, CEO of the Secunderabad Cantonment Board, stated that he had not yet reviewed the petition. He added that appropriate action would be taken after examining the matter, indicating a pending review process that could lead to further investigations or reforms.
This petition underscores growing citizen activism in addressing governance issues within defence-administered areas, highlighting the need for transparency and accountability in public institutions.
