The officials finally woke up to unauthorised eateries and hookah centres operating on roof-tops in upmarket areas.
The town planning wing of the GHMC (Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation) on Tuesday demolished six commercial establishments, some of which were popular hang-outs, in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills citing lack of permission for the constructed portions. Action was taken against Moksh near Jubilee Hills check post, The Earth Cafe on Road No. 36, Jubilee Hills, Vue lounge, Sawa Cafe, OCD and Water in Banjara Hills. Almost all the places that were demolished were known for serving hookahs and frequented by youngsters.
Some of these hookah centres were open to public for years without much action from the authorities. Armed with Traffic and local police officials as well as task force, the GHMC officials in the day-long exercise razed the structures in the six places.
“We had served them notices last month and also a few days back. Since these are unauthorised structures, we demolished them. They had constructed and operated the hookah parlours without valid permissions,” informed Assistant City Planner, Jagan Mohan.
When quizzed on why the officials had not taken action against at least two eateries which have been operating since more than two years, Mr. Mohan said that they were not aware of the violations all this while.
The officials had identified six more unauthorised hookah centres in Jubilee Hills and Banjara Hills but could not go ahead with the demolition drive.
The authorities learnt that three centres were embroiled in court cases, while managements of the other three joints had applied for BRS (Building Regulation Scheme).
According to the officials, a recent meeting between senior GHMC officials and city police officers had prompted the swift action from the authorities.
The police officials had informed that these open air centres were serving hookah illegally and criminal cases were being booked against the managements as they were receiving frequent complaints following which, the GHMC took a serious view of the issue.
