Real estate Hyderabad: The Hyderabad civic body has identified 1,500 unauthorized constructions across the city

Real estate Hyderabad: The western region of Greater Hyderabad, a prime area for real estate development, has emerged as a hotspot for unauthorized constructions. Nearly 40% of the city’s illegal buildings are concentrated in this region, highlighting a significant challenge for urban planners and residents alike.

This year, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) identified approximately 1,500 illegal constructions citywide. Of these, 1,000 were demolished, with the majority located in western areas such as Moosapet (209 demolitions), Kukatpally (142), and Chandanagar (81).

According to GHMC officials, these violations include building additional floors beyond approved limits, encroaching on government or private land, road encroachments, and constructing without proper approvals. A senior GHMC official stated, “To avoid government fees and taxes, many owners acquire permits for G+1 structures and later add extra floors. They often obtain stay orders to block demolitions. Some also misuse residential permits to convert properties into commercial spaces while paying lower residential tax rates.”

In response, the GHMC has intensified its crackdown on illegal construction in Hyderabad’s real estate sector. Measures include imposing 100% penalties on unauthorized floors and demolishing sections of buildings exceeding approved limits.

Reports reveal that property owners often use old house numbers from demolished structures to secure water and electricity connections for illegal buildings. In some cases, connections are facilitated through informal arrangements with utility workers.

Although official GHMC figures report 1,000–1,500 illegal buildings, residents’ welfare associations claim the actual number is higher, with many structures escaping scrutiny. Enforcement typically follows public complaints or incidents.

A recent example is the demolition of a tilted building in Siddique Nagar, Madhapur, constructed without approval. “Shaikpet is experiencing a surge in illegal constructions, leading to water shortages, sewage issues, parking congestion, and road encroachments. Despite these problems, some town planning officials overlook violations, allowing multi-story structures on small plots or nalas. Allegations also suggest collusion by certain GHMC officials,” said Asif Sohail, president of the Jubilee Hills Constituency Colonies Forum.

In response to such incidents, GHMC has launched a detailed survey of unauthorized buildings in Hi-Tec City and Madhapur, key hubs of Hyderabad’s real estate growth. Officials are also investigating how a five-story structure was built on a mere 50-square-yard plot without approvals.

This comprehensive survey will examine congested streets in Madhapur to assess the extent of unauthorized construction. Many buildings reportedly violate municipal regulations, including setback norms, exacerbating urban challenges in Hyderabad’s booming real estate sector.