GHMC demolishes over 60 shelters encroaching on stormwater drain in Tolichowki

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) demolished more than 60 temporary shelters that were set up allegedly encroaching on a stormwater drain at Hakeempet near IAS Colony in Tolichowki on Thursday. Heavy police deployment was made for the operation amid protests by residents.

Officials said the anti-encroachment operation in Golconda Zone reclaimed public land where huts had extended 10 to 15 feet into the drain.

However, the demolitions were met with severe resistance as the dwellers alleged they were rendered homeless without being alerted in advance. A resident Jeetu Rathod alleged that officials deployed police and earthmovers without prior notice and demolished their shelters.

Residents said they have been living here for more than 50 years and their temporary shelters were torn down all of a sudden. Rathod said many were daily-wage workers who had stayed there for years and questioned where they would go after the demolition.

GHMC Golconda Zone Deputy Commissioner D Jagan said engineering officials had proposed road-widening to ease traffic following demands from local people. The shelters were removed as part of the eviction process, he said.

Tolichowki inspector L Ramesh Naik said mild tension prevailed during the operation, but the demolition was completed after residents were convinced.