Hyderabad’s Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) is stepping up action against unsafe and unauthorised hostel buildings, particularly multi-storey hostels constructed on very small plots.
The move follows a series of alarming incidents in Anjaiah Nagar, Gachibowli and Siddiq Nagar, where unauthorised multi-storey structures either collapsed or created serious risks to neighbouring buildings.
What is HYDRAA planning?
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath has indicated that authorities will focus on hostels operating from buildings that are structurally unsafe or have been constructed in violation of approved building permissions.
Officials are particularly concerned about six- and seven-storey hostel buildings constructed on plots of only around 50–60 square yards. Such buildings can exceed the capacity for which their foundations and structural systems were originally designed.
Why has the crackdown intensified?
The action comes after the collapse of a seven-storey under-construction building in Anjaiah Nagar, in which two people were killed. HYDRAA subsequently began identifying other structures in the area that could pose similar risks.
Another serious incident occurred in Siddiq Nagar, where excavation and construction of a multi-storey hostel affected an adjoining house, forcing families to evacuate. Authorities also found several buildings that had been constructed illegally. Hostels may have to be vacated before demolition
HYDRAA has indicated that where a building is found to be dangerously unauthorised, occupants may first have to be shifted out before enforcement action or demolition is carried out.
The agency has also said its action will be based on applicable court directions and requests from municipal authorities.
Focus on high-risk buildings rather than every unauthorised structure
HYDRAA has acknowledged that Hyderabad has a very large number of unauthorised structures, making it impractical to demolish every violation.
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