GHMC Commissioner reviews dilapidated structures and cellar excavations

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has intensified its efforts to identify and address dilapidated structures and unregulated cellar excavations across the city, with a view to ensure public safety, a statement from GHMC said.

As part of the monsoon preparedness initiative, the GHMC Commissioner and Chief City Planner held a review meeting on Wednesday with the Town Planning officers where officials reviewed ongoing survey activities and issued fresh instructions for swift and comprehensive action.

According to the data presented, GHMC has identified 428 dilapidated structures and 62 ongoing cellar excavations so far. Of the identified dilapidated buildings, 131 structures have already undergone repairs or have been vacated, while follow-up action is underway for the remaining 297 buildings. This includes issuing notices, conducting structural safety assessments, and counselling residents to vacate hazardous premises.

Regarding cellar excavations, officials have begun inspecting sites, verifying permits, and issuing notices where necessary. Town Planning Officers have been directed to extend the survey to all city circles to ensure no excavation activity goes unreported.

The Commissioner stressed that no new cellar excavations will be permitted within GHMC limits from May 30, 2025, until the end of the monsoon season. For already excavated sites, builders and property owners are required to implement precautionary safety measures such as soil strengthening, retaining wall construction, barricading, and prevention of water stagnation. For buildings deemed extremely dangerous, the GHMC has instructed immediate evacuation of residents. Warning stencils are also to be painted on such structures to alert the public and occupants.

Published - May 29, 2025 09:22 pm IST