Hyderabad Encroachment Drive: GHMC Clears 798 Structures Amid Protests
In a significant civic operation, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation executed a large-scale encroachment removal drive across Hyderabad on Saturday. This initiative targeted obstructions on roads and footpaths, aiming to enhance traffic flow and pedestrian accessibility throughout the city.
Drive Covers Key Locations and Zones
The drive spanned multiple areas, including Jambagh, Goshamahal, Attapur, and Rikabgunj. GHMC Commissioner R V Karnan personally inspected operations at Jambagh and Goshamahal, emphasizing the need for effective and systematic execution. He noted that the exercise involved coordination across all six zones of the civic body, with support from traffic and law enforcement police.
Detailed Removal Statistics Across Hyderabad
Substantial encroachments were cleared in various zones:
- Shamshabad: 168 permanent and 54 temporary encroachments removed along Rallaguda Road from NH-44 to Rallagudam.
- Charminar Zone: 17 permanent and 35 temporary encroachments cleared between Laad Bazar and Puranapul, plus 110 temporary encroachments on Rikabgunj Road.
- Rajendranagar: 46 permanent and 33 temporary encroachments removed from Aramgarh to Pillar No. 252.
- Attapur Stretch: 37 permanent and 59 temporary encroachments cleared from Pillar No. 252 to 116.
- Goshamahal Area (Golconda Zone): 61 permanent and 93 temporary encroachments removed from Jambagh Hanuman Temple to MJ Market and Afzalgunj.
- Khairatabad Zone (Yousufguda): 8 permanent and 14 temporary encroachments, along with 3 compound walls, cleared on Srinagar Colony Road.
- Secunderabad (Mettuguda): 60 temporary encroachments removed along the road from the railway station to Alpha Hotel.
In total, the drive resulted in the clearance of 798 encroachments, comprising 340 permanent and 458 temporary structures.
Protests and Tensions During the Operation
Despite the civic efforts, tensions arose in parts of Goshamahal and Murgi Chowk. In the Old City area of Murgi Chowk, a confrontation erupted between police, local traders, and GHMC staff as the operation progressed. The situation intensified after an AIMIM MLC arrived at the scene to protest against the demolitions. Similarly, traders in Monda Market staged demonstrations, alleging a lack of prior notice and insufficient time to relocate their belongings.
This drive underscores GHMC's ongoing commitment to urban management, balancing infrastructure improvements with community concerns in Hyderabad.
