GHMC ignored court orders

HC had ordered demolition of 80 structures since 2015

Contrary to the general perception that action is not taken against illegal constructions because of stay orders from courts, the courts themselves have given demolition orders for 80 illegal constructions or deviations since November 2015 but the GHMC has failed to carry out the orders.

Environmentalists said that the GHMC not only avoids pulling down structures despite court orders, but it also does not make serious efforts to vacate stay orders in a large number of cases against illegal encroachments. In all, there are over 3,300 cases pertaining to the Town Planning department of GHMC pending in various courts.

Environmentalist Dr Lubna Sarwath said a “contempt of court” case was filed against GHMC and Ranga Reddy district collectorate authorities after they failed to demolish illegal structures on the full tank level area of Kapra lake despite being directed to demolish.

“We are pursuing the case further. The officials claimed that they had taken action and demolished the illegal structures,” said Mr Sateesh of Save Our Urban Lakes.

Courts have given demolition orders for 80 illegal constructions or deviations since November 2015 but the GHMC has failed to carry out the orders.

“A major portion of the unauthorized structures have not been demolished. We are going to court again,” said Mr Sateesh of Save Our Urban Lakes (Soul).

However, contempt of court cases have not been filed against GHMC despite the civic body not demolishing illegal structures.

Enquiries by DC revealed that Town Planning officers take refuge under the same court orders, which also directs GHMC to conduct a “last hearing” in the presence of the petitioner and defender before pulling down the structure. This is done to give a final opportunity to the effected party as such a hearing would also make him or her aware of the time and date on which GHMC would pull down the structure.