GHMC to Introduce Online Portal to Prevent Illegal Constructions
This initiative comes after the Telangana High Court recently directed for stricter measures against illegal constructions, which include unauthorised floors, road encroachments, deviations from approved plans, and violations of building codes, such as construction without proper approvals or occupation of government or private land.
Over the past five years, more than 0.25 million writ petitions have been filed in the Telangana High Court concerning illegal constructions in Hyderabad. GHMC’s Prajavani program revealed that around 40 to 50 per cent of the petitions are related to illegal constructions. This year alone, GHMC demolished over 1,000 illegal structures. However, enforcement has often been delayed until complaints are lodged, and many property owners manage to evade scrutiny.
In addition, GHMC Commissioner K Ilambarithi explained that guidelines and standard operating procedures (SOPs) are being developed to address illegal constructions in the city. He further stated that property owners who ignore orders against illegal constructions will face criminal charges under Section 223 of the BNS, along with a 400 per cent penalty on the original fee.
The new online portal will track complaints from the initial notice through to final actions, including the sealing and demolition of properties. GHMC also plans to collaborate with the stamps and registration department to update the EC system, marking properties involved in illegal constructions. This would serve as a warning to potential buyers and create a deterrent for owners involved in unauthorised building activities.
Many property owners bypass regulations by obtaining permits for smaller structures and later adding illegal floors or converting residential spaces into commercial establishments in order to avoid higher tax rates.