Hyderabad civic body orders demolition of illegal buildings after Gachibowli collapse

Days after a multi-storey building collapse in Kondapur claimed two lives, the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has launched an intensified enforcement drive, ordering the demolition of unauthorised under-construction structures across its jurisdiction. The decision comes as part of efforts to address safety violations and ensure compliance with building norms.

CMC Commissioner G. Srijana has directed Town Planning and enforcement teams to identify structures based on specific criteria related to plot size, building height, and construction permissions. According to the orders, buildings on plots measuring less than 75 square yards where construction exceeds seven metres in height will be flagged for action. Additionally, any under-construction building on plots larger than 75 square yards being built without mandatory building permission will also be identified, irrespective of the height.

All structures falling under these two categories are to be taken up for demolition through enforcement drives. The Commissioner has emphasised that detection should be carried out regardless of the source of information — whether through citizen complaints or through suo motu detection by field teams. This ensures a comprehensive and unbiased approach to identifying violations.

The CMC has also set up a monitoring mechanism, with daily reporting of demolitions beginning Monday, August 24, 2026, to ensure continuous enforcement and accountability. Officials have been instructed to maintain records and update the administration on progress.

The move follows growing public concern over unsafe construction practices in the region. The collapse incident in Kondapur highlighted the risks posed by buildings erected without proper approvals or in violation of sanctioned plans. While the CMC's action is aimed at preventing future tragedies, it also raises questions about the effectiveness of existing regulatory oversight and the need for systematic urban planning.

Residents and civil society groups have welcomed the crackdown but have also called for transparency in the demolition process and clear communication with property owners. Some have urged the authorities to differentiate between minor deviations and serious structural violations, ensuring that due process is followed.

The CMC has assured that the enforcement drive will be carried out as per legal procedures, with notices issued to owners before any action. The daily monitoring is intended to track progress and prevent any laxity in implementation.

This development underscores the broader challenges facing fast-growing urban areas in India, where rapid construction often outpaces regulatory capacity. While demolition is a necessary corrective measure in cases of grave violations, experts argue that long-term solutions require strengthening approval mechanisms, conducting regular inspections, and creating awareness among builders and residents about safety norms.

The upcoming weeks will reveal the scale of enforcement and its impact on the construction landscape in Cyberabad. For now, the focus remains on ensuring that such tragedies are not repeated.