Uppal merchants oppose demolition of shops

• Complete by-pass roads first to ease traffic
• Demolition will affect 10,100 families

Uppal Merchants' Association and Uppal Main Road Building Owners' Association have pleaded with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) authorities to first complete the three proposed by-pass roads to ease traffic congestion in the area before deciding on demolition of hundreds of shops and establishments. They submitted a memorandum to this effect to the GHMC deputy commissioner, Circle 2, on Tuesday. The petition was also forwarded to Nitin Gadkari, Union Minister for Highways.

The associations, while agreeing that Uppal road was congested, said, “The three by-pass roads from Amberpet to Ghatkesar, Metro Cash and Carry Centre to Nallacheruvu and Pirzadaguda to Metro Cash and Carry Centre are meant to divert the Uppal traffic and those roads are nearing completion. Once they are opened, the problem would automatically be resolved. Hence the GHMC should not rush with demolitions which would affect about 10,100 families both directly and indirectly.”

“The road was in fact widened once in 1997, causing huge renewal expenses for the shops and buildings owners. Then statutory period for a second widening was still due. Moreover, so far they were not invited by the GHMC to discuss compensation issues for the shop owners,” the memorandum said.