2 days ago
Partial Demolitions Raise Questions Over CMC Enforcement Drive
The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation is tearing down buildings it says are unauthorised.
By September 3, it said 185 demolitions had taken place in three zones.
However, visits to some locations found that only parts of buildings had been removed.
Some floors, walls and slabs were still standing.
Residents want to know why the buildings were not completely demolished.
They also want to know whether officials will face consequences.
Authorities have not explained how they check sites after demolition teams leave.
The issue became more serious after a seven-storey building collapsed in Anjaiahnagar on August 22.
The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation reported 185 demolitions across three zones by September 3.
Field visits found slabs, floors and walls removed while parts of buildings remained standing.
Residents questioned whether partial demolitions were being counted as completed enforcement action.
Officials did not explain the partial demolitions or whether disciplinary action had begun.
HYDRAA demolished five buildings near Anjaiahnagar after the August 22 collapse, with debris clearance ongoing.
- Who
- The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation, HYDRAA, residents and enforcement officials are involved.
- What
- Authorities are demolishing allegedly unauthorised buildings, while questions have arisen about incomplete demolitions and follow-up monitoring.
- Where
- The demolitions occurred across the CMC’s Serilingampally, Quthbullapur and Kukatpally zones, with questioned sites in Nanakramguda, Hafeezpet and Madhapur.
- When
- The drive continued after the August 22 Anjaiahnagar collapse; the CMC reported figures as of September 3.
- Why
- Unauthorised constructions came under scrutiny after the Anjaiahnagar building collapse, prompting continued enforcement action.
Residents’ Concerns
Authorities’ Enforcement Drive
Extent of demolition
Residents’ Concerns
Residents say removing only slabs, walls or selected portions does not fully address unauthorised buildings and question whether the action is being marked complete.
Authorities’ Enforcement Drive
The CMC has continued demolitions across its three zones and reported 185 actions by September 3, while HYDRAA has demolished five nearby buildings.
Accountability and monitoring
Residents’ Concerns
Residents and the report question whether officials are being held accountable and whether owners could rebuild after teams leave.
Authorities’ Enforcement Drive
Authorities have not clarified whether departmental action or a post-demolition inspection system exists.
Communication about notices
Residents’ Concerns
The lack of information leaves unresolved questions about buildings that received notices and whether owners complied voluntarily.
Authorities’ Enforcement Drive
Officials did not respond to queries about the reasons for partial demolitions, staff action or the status of notices.
Key facts
- CMC demolitions
- 185 demolitions were reported across three zones as of September 3.
- Zone breakdown
- Serilingampally recorded 81 demolitions, Quthbullapur 64 and Kukatpally 40.
- Anjaiahnagar action
- HYDRAA demolished five buildings near the collapsed structure.
- Collapse date
- A seven-storey building collapsed at Anjaiahnagar on August 22.
- Questioned locations
- Field visits examined Nanakramguda, Hafeezpet and Madhapur.
- Follow-up concerns
- Authorities have not disclosed whether post-demolition inspections are conducted to prevent rebuilding.
- Criminal investigation
- Raidurgam police are likely to seek three-day custody of primary accused Syed Sajod.
Quotes
P. Harendar
Resident of Nanakramguda who questioned the extent of the demolitions and official accountability
“Only certain portions of the buildings, such as slabs and walls, are being demolished. Why is the entire building not being demolished? And is there any action against the staff?”
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