Army insists on a 500m buffer

Army formations based at Mehdipatnam, Tolichowki and beyond, are insisting that all fresh constructions within 500 metres must procure a no-objection certificate from a committee formed by the Army.

That apart, the credentials of those who are constructing the buildings will be checked.

Army sources said the no-objection certificate was important to avoid any interactions with civilians and was part of the security code.

Similar restrictions have been imposed by the Secunderabad Cantonment Board.

Areas like Langar Houz and Banglaguda are located around these defence establishments. Except for Banglaguda, other areas up to Tolichowki are under the GHMC’s control.

Banglaguda sarpanch G. Hari Krishna said, “The gram panchayat issues building permission to localities in Banglaguda, including Sun City and areas surrounding Don Bosco school. If the building falls within the Army buffer zone, permission is only granted after the NOC is procured."

GHMC south zone commissioner Srinivas Reddy said the jurisdiction of the corporation ended at Golconda on the one side and Gaganpahad of Rajendranagar on the other. “Areas that fall in the buffer zone set by the Army must individually seek an NOC.”

An Army source said that when the SCB and defence establishments were established, they were outside the city. “There has been rapid growth around the installations. Due to the nature of activity of the defence forces, there is a need to ensure that security is not breached. Therefore, we have the buffer zone rule.”

He said the Army had formed a committee to issue the NOC. “All documents will be checked before the certificate is issued,” he said.