Vote bank politics stalls demolitions

Local elected representatives, who object to demolishing encroachments because it means becoming unpopular with their vote banks, are the main stumbling block when it comes to anti-flooding measures.

People are reluctant to move from their illegal constructions even when given alternative housing and their elected representatives support them. Politics thus is the main culprit, stalling or delaying demolition of encroachments.

In March 2017, the GHMC planned a demolition drive on nalas under GHMC limits, but it has come to a grinding halt due to interference from local political leader from all parties.

Dr B. Janardhan Reddy, GHMC Commissioner explained, “Between 2007 and 2014, GHMC officials were able to evacuate 700 families who had encroached upon the nalas and rehabilitated them in JNNURM houses. In eight years, 700 structures were dismantled. However, the worry is why didn’t the corporation prevent these structures from being built? Once they are allowed, the inmates grow roots, earn a livelihood here and develop an emotional social environment. Later, they get a voter identification card and follow a public representative, who advocates for them. An illegal encroachment, it has to be prevented at the construction stage, since eviction is a big task.”

The GHMC’s strategy, he said, was to first identify the structure, estimate its value and provide compensation or ex-gratia from the government.