GHMC’s demolition drive against unauthorised constructions in Anjaiahnagar and Siddiquenagar of Serlingampally was halted on the second day on account of stiff resistance put up by local MLA Bikshapathi Yadav and his followers on Tuesday.
The town planning wing personnel with the assistance of police managed to raze 23 of the targeted 36 buildings on Monday despite facing protests from the building owners. Mr. Yadav had surfaced on the first day too and got into a slanging match with the officials but the latter stuck to their guns pointing out that the demolitions were being done on the orders of Lokayukta.
Today, however, the MLA reached the site in the morning again, kicked up a big ruckus over the demolitions and staged a demonstration for a couple of hours. In the melee, a JCB was also damaged. He relented only after receiving assurances from the powers that be and the municipal corporation staff too withdrew.
When contacted, North Zone Commissioner S. Aleem Basha, said that most of the targeted demolitions was completed yesterday itself and the municipal staff were just mopping up the debris.
He pointed out that only holes were made to slabs and the walls were not demolished so as not to endanger the neighbours as the constructions were very close. The GHMC has warned that illegal buildings will be demolished under statutory provisions and criminal cases will be booked with a provision for imprisonment for upto three years.
