GHMC to vacate 'most dangerous' premises

Hyderabad: Based on the past building collapse incidents, this monsoon, the GHMC would be identifying most dangerous structures and would vacate the premises to protect the loss of life and property. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Commissioner (GHMC) Commissioner, DS Lokesh Kumar said that in view of the upcoming monsoon season and in order to protect and safeguard life of the citizens, the GHMC has come up with an action plan on dealing with the dilapidated structures.

As part of this action plan, the Corporation will be conducting quick survey and identify the dilapidated structures in respective areas. Also, prepare a final list of dilapidated structures in respective circles with newly identified structures in addition to the balance carried from previous year. "In case of most dangerous structures, advance precautionary measures shall be taken such as vacating inmates, sealing and barricading the building, and displaying caution notice. Will act immediately on complaints received from call centres, control room and WhatsApp," he added.

Since 2016, a total of 1438 structures have been demolished. Recently, Mayor Bonthu Rammohan who assessed the damage of the city's infrastructure following pre-monsoon rainfall, informed that to avert possible risk of building collapse during monsoon, the GHMC would be pulling down about 200 dilapidated structures.

Further, the GHMC has decided not to permit new excavations of cellars. And in case of already dug-up cellars and where work was in progress, the GHMC would issue instructions to builder to take all standard safety precautions, including soil strengthening, construction of retaining wall, barricading around the land and other measures.

The Corporation would study risks involved with dug-up cellars and act accordingly including filling the earth with debris. "Any non-compliance of instructions by the owners, notices shall be issued as per GHMC Act and action would be initiated against the violators. In case of sloppy terrains and hilly areas (especially Banjara and Jubilee Hills), measures shall be taken for vacating the premises," he explained.