Hyderabad: Keeping the approaching monsoon season and associated risks in mind, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has initiated a comprehensive assessment and action plan concerning dilapidated buildings across the city. GHMC commissioner R.V. Karnan, during a video conference with zonal commissioners and town planning department officials, instructed to implement stringent measures to prevent possible loss of life or property.
Citing early rainfall predictions from the Meteorological Department, the commissioner emphasised the need for officials to remain vigilant. Residents currently living in structurally weak buildings are to be relocated to safer areas. Officials were told to act decisively, with no allowance for temporary repairs by property owners. If incidents occur in previously identified at-risk structures, the respective area officers will be held responsible, the commissioner warned.
So far, 428 dilapidated buildings have been identified in the GHMC area. Of these, 131 buildings are considered potentially repairable, while 297 structures have been issued notices. These buildings are undergoing further assessment to determine structural stability. Additional instructions have been issued for evacuation and counselling of property owners. Where necessary, buildings may be demolished and owners will be advised on appropriate procedures.
The commissioner also directed officials to take legal action by seizing hazardous structures. Cellar constructions in dilapidated buildings have been explicitly prohibited. From May 30 until the end of the monsoon season, no new permissions will be granted for cellar construction across GHMC jurisdictions. Notices will be served to existing cellar owners to ensure proper construction of retaining walls, barricades, and drainage systems to prevent water stagnation.
This initiative follows a tragic incident on February 5 in Chandrapuri Colony, Mansoorabad, where three construction workers died and another was injured due to the collapse of loose soil during unauthorised cellar excavation. Another incident in November 2024 at Siddiq Nagar, Madhapur, saw a four-storey residential building tilt dangerously due to adjacent unauthorised excavation.
GHMC will not issue new cellar permissions until the end of the monsoon season. Builders must expedite safety measures and halt excavation work during this period. Violations will result in immediate cessation of work, permit cancellations, license revocations and possible criminal charges, said the officials. Residents near excavation sites are urged to stay alert and report any safety concerns.
