Over 800 unauthorised buildings identified across CMC limits, Kukatpally zone tops list

Over 800 unauthorised buildings identified across CMC limits, Kukatpally zone tops list

The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has identified over 800 unauthorised constructions across its three zones over the past year, with the highest number of violations reported in Kukatpally zone, where the latest seven-storey building collapse occurred, as reported by The Times of India.

Of the total, 365 unauthorised constructions were identified in Kukatpally zone, followed by 224 in Quthbullapur zone and 195 in Serilingampally zone. Serilingampally recorded the most extensive enforcement activity, with 134 show-cause notices and 107 speaking orders issued, followed by 28 demolitions and 55 seizures, amounting to 83 enforcement actions. In Quthbullapur zone, notices were issued in all 224 identified cases, while 48 structures were either demolished or sealed. In Kukatpally, enforcement proceedings have been initiated against all 365 identified unauthorised constructions, the CMC said.

According to a senior CMC official, the civic body is focusing on physical enforcement rather than compounding violations. "Enforcement proceedings have been initiated in all confirmed cases, and we are focusing on physical enforcement rather than compounding violations. Our approach over the past year has been to stop and remove unauthorised constructions rather than rely on compounding. Enforcement drives will continue across all three zones," the official said.

The enforcement mechanism follows a sequential process: identification of the violation, issuance of a show-cause notice, passing of a speaking order and, where violations are confirmed and remain unregularised, demolition or seizure. Officials have also urged citizens to report unauthorised constructions through the My CURE app or the nearest circle office, following which action will be taken within a stipulated timeframe, according to The Times of India.

In a recent operation, CMC demolished 17 illegal structures, with seven in Serilingampally, two in Kukatpally, and eight in the Quthbullapur zone, and served 11 notices, as reported by Deccan Chronicle. The operation identified 54 structures through MyCURE, Prajavani complaints, and field-level inspections. The civic body said daily inspections and enforcement would continue across all three zones.

CMC commissioner G. Srijana said the focus was on buildings where actual construction did not match the approved plan. "Buildings under construction that violate norms will be taken up for immediate action. In the case of completed buildings, notices will be issued and further action taken," she told Deccan Chronicle. She added that under the rules, buildings on plots up to 75 square yards can be built up to seven metres in height, and that the CMC is also acting against buildings on larger plots constructed without permission, irrespective of height. "Some owners take permission for G+1 and later add more floors. Such violations will also be identified and action taken," Srijana said.

The commissioner acknowledged a shortage of field staff and said the CMC needed a dedicated enforcement mechanism to monitor violations effectively. She warned that structures compromising public safety or encroaching upon nalas will not be spared. Srijana also stated that political recommendations would not influence enforcement, and that officials who encourage or fail to act against unauthorised constructions would face stringent action, according to Deccan Chronicle.

The issue is being closely monitored in Serilingampally and Kukatpally, where demand for hostels and rental accommodation in the IT corridor has led to more construction on small plots. "Hostel culture is high in these areas. People construct large buildings and rent them out. The income is five to six times higher than normal rents because of the demand in the IT corridor," Srijana said.

Residents have urged early detection of violations. "If an owner gets permission for G+1 and later adds more floors, the violation should be flagged immediately. Authorities should not wait until the building is completed or occupied," said M. Nithesh Reddy, a Kukatpally resident. Another resident said extra floors put pressure on parking, roads, drainage and other basic facilities, and rules should also be enforced before the building is completed, according to Deccan Chronicle.

CMC sources, as reported by The Times of India, said owners often obtain approval for G+1 structures but subsequently add extra floors, often approaching courts for stay orders to prevent demolition. They also said building owners use house numbers assigned to old structures to obtain electricity and water connections for newly constructed unauthorised buildings or additional floors, and in some cases, property owners allegedly coordinate with utility staff to secure such connections.