GHMC identifies 377 dangerous buildings
HYDERABAD: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has yet to act on hundreds of unsafe buildings identified across the city despite the onset of the monsoon. An official survey conducted before the rainy season found 377 buildings in a dilapidated condition, many of which pose a risk to public safety.
According to the survey, 117 buildings are in Rajendranagar, 75 in Shamshabad, 70 in Secunderabad, 56 in Charminar, 47 in Golconda and 12 in Khairatabad.
Officials said nearly half of these structures are in such poor condition that they need to be demolished. They recommended that some buildings be vacated immediately, while others require urgent repairs. However, no significant action has been taken so far.
Residents said the absence of heavy rainfall has prevented major incidents until now. They fear that intense rain could trigger the collapse of these ageing structures, particularly in densely populated areas, putting lives at risk.
Staff shortage affects enforcement
The GHMC Town Planning Department is facing a severe shortage of personnel. According to the corporation’s sanctioned strength, the department should have 450 employees, but only 92 are currently in service.
Officials said many of the available staff are engaged in Special Enforcement and Response (SER) duties, delaying inspections, the issuance of notices and demolition of dangerous buildings.
Residents seek immediate action
Residents urged the GHMC to act without further delay, warning that failure to remove or secure unsafe buildings could lead to serious accidents.
They pointed out that similar incidents occurred during previous spells of heavy rain and appealed to the civic body to take preventive measures before the monsoon intensifies.
