Illegal structures sprout right under the nose of civic babus!
In Short
Buildings with approvals for limited floors are being extended vertically, with additional floors coming up and builders not bothering about fresh permissions
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Illegal structures sprout right under the nose of civic babus!
Hyderabad: Unauthorised constructions and encroachments on public and private spaces are emerging as a major urban governance challenge across Hyderabad, with nearly 2,000 violations identified across the city’s CORE urban region. From additional floors built beyond approved plans and encroachments on government and private land to road and footpath encroachments; and buildings erected without mandatory permissions to brazen violations of building regulations have become a widespread concern.
In parts of the city, buildings with approvals for limited floors are being extended vertically, with additional floors coming up with builders not bothering about fresh permissions. Residents and complainants alleged that such violations were not taking place in secrecy, but under the watch of higher officials in Town Planning and other related departments.
The modus operandi involves deliberately obtaining permission for a smaller structure and adding multiple floors. For, by the time action is initiated, the structures are often completed and occupied, making demolition or other enforcement considerably more difficult.
The Town Planning Departments of the Tri-Municipal Corporations have faced serious allegations of rampant corruption, with some residents describing them as a ‘cesspool of corruption’.
Furthermore, despite instructions from higher-ups, enforcement at the ground level remains a challenge, allowing several unauthorised structures to come up, raising questions about the effectiveness of the civic administration.
The alleged laxity in supervision by Town Planning officials, coupled with perceived shortage of personnel and demolition equipment, has weakened even the potential response to violations. In some cases, buildings reportedly constructed beyond their sanctioned limits continue to stand despite notices and enforcement action. Two deaths in the collapse of an under-construction building in Gachibowli in September 2026, and another case of tilting of a multi-storey structure in Gopanapally prompting overnight evacuations from a four-storey building, have amplified concerns over the risks posed by unchecked construction.
According to some observers, the problem is particularly acute in western and eastern parts of Hyderabad, where demand for affordable rental accommodation and commercial space has accelerated construction on smaller plots. Nearly 80% of buildings on such plots in the corridor are alleged to be unauthorised. Areas including Gachibowli, Kondapur, and Madhapur have witnessed extensive development, with violations reportedly occurring in inner residential pockets as well as commercial stretches.
K Venkatesh, one of the observers, said “On plots measuring just 100 to 150 square yards, six to eight floors are a common sight in the area. There are more than 100 such buildings across various colonies, and constructions are still continuing.”
He said, “Residents are facing problems with inadequate water supply and sewerage systems. Also, fire-safety issues with mandatory setbacks are not being maintained. Such buildings could become death traps during emergencies,” added Venkatesh.
The concerns extend beyond residential buildings to commercial establishments and hostels operating in densely populated neighbourhoods. Colonies such as those in the western corridor have large numbers of hostels and commercial properties, often within confined spaces. Residents and experts fear that overcrowding, inadequate setbacks, and insufficient access for emergency services could increase the risks to occupants and neighbouring buildings.
A senior GHMC Town Planning official, who did not want to be identified, said buildings frequently exceeded their approved height, with owners obtaining permission for two or three floors but constructing substantially more. Such violations have reportedly been observed in colonies in Film Nagar, Shaikpet, KPHB, Moosapet, Malakpet, Uppal, LB Nagar, Banjara Hills, and Jubilee Hills, among other localities.
Manpower shortage in GHMC
A senior officer stated that staff shortages and a lack of equipment are limiting the civic body’s ability to act against unauthorised constructions and encroachments. However, action is being taken in some cases involving road widening, footpath encroachments, and construction in restricted areas.
Officials said field teams issued notices to owners found violating building regulations and imposed penalties where applicable. However, they said, the department lacked the manpower required to monitor every building continuously and carry out demolitions on a larger scale. With municipal services increasingly moving online, officers said, complaints received about violations are examined and notices issued to the owners concerned.
Despite these steps, some developers continue the construction even after receiving notices. There are also claims that unauthorised buildings are regularised.
Experts warn against incomplete demolition
Urban safety experts have expressed concern over enforcement measures that involve only partial demolition of unauthorised structures. Cutting off portions of slabs, breaking structural joints or removing sections of walls and leaving the rest of a building standing may be risky.
An expert, Prof Narasimha Reddy, warned that partial action may fail to deter owners from resuming construction after enforcement teams leave. He said, authorities must monitor properties after taking action and verify whether construction has restarted in violation of their orders. The concern is especially significant in densely built neighbourhoods, where structural damage or unsafe construction could affect adjoining properties. Residents living near ongoing projects have also expressed fears that excavation and construction work could damage their homes, particularly where neighbouring buildings are believed to have been erected without proper approvals.
Residents demand stricter safety standards
Residents have called for strong action against unauthorised buildings, particularly ageing multi-storey structures, properties without adequate access for fire safety, and buildings that pose a risk to neighbouring homes. Some have demanded the removal of all unauthorised structures and older multi-storey buildings that lack essential safety provisions.
Asif Hussain Sohail, president of the Jubilee Hills Colonies Forum, said: “Permissions should be granted only when projects meet applicable safety and planning requirements, rather than allowing violations to be addressed after construction is complete.”
CURE Bill penalties
Meanwhile, under the draft CURE Bill, 2026, there are higher penalties for unauthorised constructions. Illegal constructions could attract penalties of 100% to 300% of property tax and the total annual liability, including the normal property tax, would amount to four times the regular tax. Also, buildings without an occupancy certificate would face disconnection of electricity, water, and sewerage services.
For instance, a property with an annual tax liability of Rs 10,000 would attract a total penalty of Rs 40,000 under the provision. The Bill also provides for 100% penalty for deviations from sanctioned building plans, including the addition of floors beyond approved limits. In such cases, a property with an annual tax liability of Rs 10,000 would face a total liability of Rs 20,000.
