GHMC fails to act against encroacher

Srinagar Colony: Is a waste paper merchant more powerful than GHMC? Shockingly, this appears to be so, going by a recent happening here. The GHMC central zone staff is allegedly ignoring the problems of citizens by succumbing to the allurements of local shopkeepers here.

An instance of this came to light recently in Srinagar Colony. The entrance to an apartment from the main road is being blocked following the unauthorised construction of a steel railing, a sump and a manhole allegedly by a waste paper trader, Kanakaiah. These encroachments have reduced the entrance carriage way to the apartment.

Residents had lodged a complaint with GHMC on June 26 through an e-mail. Also, they visited the GHMC office on October 3 and submitted a representation, requesting the staff to inspect the premises. Madhavi, ACP, GHMC Circle-17, visited the apartment on October 15. The issue was also taken to the notice of local MLA Maganti Gopinath.

When the GHMC demolition squad reached the apartment to pull down the railing, the members were allegedly prevented from doing their duty by Kanakaiah who allegedly lined their pockets. As if this is not enough, he is said to be threatening the apartment committee members for lodging a complaint to the civic body.

Speaking on the issue, complex president B Kavita told The Hans India: "All committee members are being informed about the issue and developments. They are requested to take active part in making representations to the authorities concerned and extend their support to settle the issue."