GHMC drive against footpath encroachment from June 30

The Directorate of Enforcement, Vigilance and Disaster Management cell of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is taking up a special drive from June 30 to remove footpath encroachment. The decision was taken at a GHMC meet held on Thursday. EV&DM cell director Viswajit Kampati prepared an action plan along with police officers of Hyderabad, Cyberabad and Rachakonda commissionerates. 

“The aim is to clear the footpaths and provide walking space to people. Severe action will be taken against those opposing the drive or found guilty of encroachment for the second time,” said Kampati.

GHMC has decided to book criminal cases, impose heavy penalties and cancel trade licence of those flouting norms. Six



special teams, consisting of police officers (traffic and law &order) and GHMC officials, will be deployed for the drive. The team will be equipped with modernized equipments, earth movers and debris removal vehicles. Each team has been allotted 8 stretches and 48 stretches are being taken up in the first phase. They will cover 127.5 km of roads where 4,133 identified encroachments will be removed on priority. “Some of the teams are already on the sites, directing encroachers to vacate voluntarily,” read a GHMC statement.

However, civic officials said no action will be taken against small vendors and GHMC’s Urban Community Development wing is identifying places to relocate them.