Gachibowli Building Collapse Kills Two; Unauthorised Construction Was Flagged 66 Days Earlier
A multi-storeyed building in Gachibowli collapsed on Saturday, August 22, 2026, claiming two lives and damaging an adjoining building. The structure, which had been flagged for unauthorised construction by the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) 66 days earlier, raises concerns over lapses in regulatory enforcement.
The CMC Town Planning Section had issued a show-cause notice and speaking orders on June 17 in connection with the building at H.No. 1-60/113/135/1, Anjaiah Nagar, Gachibowli Village, Serilingampally mandal, Ranga Reddy district. The building comprised a ground floor, six upper floors and a penthouse. Despite the notice, construction continued, culminating in the collapse.
A show-cause notice is an official communication that requires the recipient to explain why action should not be taken against them. The accompanying speaking order provides a detailed reasoning for the proposed action. These documents are standard tools used by municipal authorities to initiate action against illegal constructions.
Following the incident, CMC Commissioner G. Srijana ordered the immediate suspension of U. Santosh Kumar, Town Planning Building Officer (TPBO) for Circle-50, Madhapur. The suspension order, issued on the day of the collapse, cited neglect of official duties. It stated that the officer failed to stop the unauthorised construction, and that this failure led to loss of life and endangered public safety. Disciplinary proceedings are being initiated, and the officer will remain under suspension until the inquiry concludes.
According to the Town Planning Section, the building was constructed by Farheen Siddiq and Md. Sajid without the required building permission. Prescribed setbacks were not maintained, and the report indicated that poor-quality construction materials and lack of proper technical supervision contributed to the collapse.
The Town Planning Section has also sought registration of a criminal case against the owners and others under applicable legal provisions. A request has been made to the Raidurgam police to take necessary action and inform the CMC of the outcome.
In the wake of the tragedy, the CMC Commissioner has directed the Town Planning Wing to conduct a comprehensive inspection of unauthorised constructions across the entire Cyberabad Municipal Corporation limits. This includes demolition of unauthorised structures wherever warranted, in accordance with rules.
Officials have been instructed to ensure strict monitoring and enforcement of building regulations, with public safety being the highest priority. The CMC reaffirmed its commitment to firm action against unauthorised construction and enforcement lapses.
The collapse has highlighted the urgent need for effective enforcement of building safety norms in urban areas. It also raises questions about why the prior notice did not prompt immediate action to halt construction or secure the site.
