Hyderabad, February 23: The twin cities are dotted with old and dilapidated structures that are increasingly posing a threat to the lives of unassuming denizens.
Though the recent building collapse in Patny in which one person was killed and few others injured involved an under-construction building, it has brought attention to these crumbling structures that are not just an eyesore but are dangerous, especially during demolition of the structure or in rainy season.
The Town Planning wing of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has failed to take any action to demolish old structures despite knowing well that they pose danger to human lives.
They are busy involved in corrupt practices and harassing people in giving permissions for buildings.
As many as 700 plus old buildings in GHMC limits including 200 odd in Secunderabad zone are in dilapidated condition and are ready to cave in at any point of time.
Within the core city area alone, there are about 600 buildings and another 100 on city outskirts that need immediate razing as the GHMC engineering wing has certified the structures would fall at any point of time.
GHMC zonal commisioner (North Zone), Sudhakar said that wall collapse in Patny took place during renovation of the building. So the GHMC cannot take any action.
As per the Corporation Act, the owners are entitled to take internal repairs. GHMC can take action only if it is an unauthorised construction or if there is any deviation from the sanctioned plan, he said.
In Secunderabad zone, GHMC has identified about 200 old buildings posing danger to human habitation. “We have slapped notices on them to renovate or vacate them’’ he said.
According to a survey carried out by the GHMC few years ago, more than 700 buildings were found to be dangerous and unfit for staying because of weak structural stability.
The corporation even slapped notices under Section 456 of the HMC Act to house owners asking them to take up repairs or vacate them.
Only few of them undertook repairs and several others approached courts and obtained stay orders thus stalling demolitions.
In the last five years, GHMC was able to demolish some 200 old buildings, the officials added.
–Agencies