Secunderabad Cantonment Board sees no threat in old buildings under its jurisdiction

Board authorities are taking no measures to check the structures and take appropriate action

While the neighbouring GHMC has launched a crackdown on old and dilapidated buildings after the City Light Hotel building collapse, Secunderabad Cantonment Board (SCB) is yet to wake up from its slumber.

It has about 140 old grand bungalows, which are over 80 years old and dotted in Bolarum, Diamond Point, Bowenpally checkpost and other areas. Majority of these bungalows are still occupied and have been converted into function halls and other commercial establishments.

Though SCB authorities are aware about the existence of old buildings, they do not have any records about the number of buildings converted into function halls and commercial establishments. Unlike the GHMC, SCB authorities do not take up any enumeration of these buildings and about their structural stability, accepts J. Pratap, an elected board member.

Unless owners take the initiative to renovate their buildings, board authorities do not take up any measures to check the structures and take action accordingly. There was a proposal to set up a town planning wing and a rescue team under the cadre restructuring plan since years but nothing has fructified till date, he informs.

After much criticism about rampant construction of unauthorised structures in its limits and CBI raids at the SCB office and a few elected members’ houses, the board last year established a 10-member demolition squad.

Except for an earthmover and few other tools, this squad lacks proper infrastructure and support. Every time, after issuing notices to illegal structures owners, authorities hire earthmovers, auto trolleys and personnel for demolishing such structures.

SCB authorities claim that since the inception of this squad, over 160 unauthorised structures were demolished but they have not identified or taken any action against the old and dilapidated buildings.