The High Court expressed serious dissatisfaction with the government’s approach towards illegal constructions in the Greater Hyderabad area. The court opined that the KCR government, which should be taking stringent actions against unauthorised constructions in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, has been negligent in its duties. The court remarked that the government’s and GHMC’s regularisation policy for illegal constructions is encouraging such activities. Following the court’s direction to provide a report on how many constructions have been carried out without permits and how many are in violation of regulations in Manikonda, the officials have started the process of taking account of these illegal structures.
The Maninagar Plot Members Protection Welfare Society filed a petition in the High Court challenging the lack of action against illegal constructions in Survey No. 203/1/3/1, 204 to 209, 210/1/3 in the Manikonda Jagir of Gandipet Mandal, Ranga Reddy District. Upon hearing the case, the High Court issued interim orders on March 14, 2023, instructing that the status quo be maintained in Manikonda Jagir and that photographs related to the constructions be submitted.
In response, the Maninagar Plot Members Protection Welfare Society filed a contempt petition, stating that despite these orders, illegal constructions continued, and authorities had not taken any action. Justice C.V. Bhaskar Reddy, on Tuesday, resumed the hearing of the case. After considering the arguments of both parties and reviewing the photos attached with the petition and the contempt petition, the judge observed that it was clear that illegal and unauthorised constructions had already begun.
The judge expressed anger, stating that the interim orders issued by the High Court on March 14, 2023, to maintain the status quo had not been implemented in good faith. The judge reminded that the Supreme Court had passed several judgments instructing strict actions to prevent and demolish illegal constructions. The High Court directed the GHMC to provide details regarding the total number of constructions in Manikonda Jagir, how many of them had received permits, and details of the constructions undertaken without permission. The judge also instructed the GHMC to submit a comprehensive report on the actions taken so far against illegal constructions in violation of permits.
Additionally, the judge asked whether any letters had been written to stop the electricity and water supply to illegal constructions. If such letters existed, the details should be provided. The judge also directed the GHMC officials to submit a report by July 2 regarding the actions taken against officials who had shown negligence in handling the issue of illegal constructions.
The High Court has postponed the hearing to July 2, stating that if the GHMC and HMDA fail to submit a report, the Commissioners of GHMC and HMDA would have to personally appear in court and provide explanations. Following the court’s orders, the GHMC and HMDA officials have focused on illegal constructions in Manikonda. They have begun compiling data on where constructions have been undertaken without permits. Discussions are underway within HMDA regarding the hundreds of illegal constructions present in Manikonda Jagir.
The key point of interest now is what kind of report the authorities will submit to the High Court regarding these illegal constructions. Manikonda, which was once a village panchayat, is now a municipality. It is known that there are up to 42 colonies, both small and large, in the area. For the past 10 years, only stand-alone apartments were being constructed in Manikonda. However, now, there are large-scale constructions and high-rise apartments being built. With its proximity to the IT Corridor, large-scale skyscrapers are being developed in the area.
However, it cannot be denied that Manikonda has become a hotspot for illegal constructions. Thousands of buildings that have been constructed or are under construction here are reportedly violating regulations. Violations such as encroaching on roads, not adhering to setback regulations, constructing more floors than permitted, and even encroaching on the water pipeline body coming from Gandipet to build structures are evident. According to unofficial estimates, there are about 1,700 illegal constructions in Manikonda that have been built in violation of regulations. These include independent houses, standalone apartments, and even some large buildings that have been constructed against the rules, as identified by the authorities.
Under the orders of the High Court, officials are now in the process of compiling a detailed account of these illegal structures. The key question now is what kind of judgment the High Court will pass regarding the illegal constructions in Manikonda, and this is creating a lot of anticipation.
