GHMC razes 21 structures against nala encroachments

The GHMC authorities on Monday razed 21 structures obstructing the free flow of storm water at Sivaji Nagar Nala and Sunnam Cheruvu, among others.While some houses in Kukatpally Housing Board (KPHB) Phase 15 were demolished, structures were also pulled down in the Old City near Bahadurpura nala, Yakutpura and Karwan division.

The civic body is restoring nalas in the west zone covering the IT corridor, Kukatpally and Serilingampally at a cost of `230 crore. The restoration work includes removal of en croachments and giving structural compensation to the affected households apart from constructing retaining walls along nalas post demolition.

Of the 738 structures identified as critical bottlenecks to nalas, as many as 425 structures have been identified in the west zone alone. 

“Restoration work has started along all the nalas in west zone,



including Balanagar Nala, Kukatpally Nala, Sunnam Cheruvu and Moosapet Nala. ,“ said Hari Chandana, zonal commissioner (West Zone), GHMC.

The civic body has also ta ken up restoration of Murki Nala in south zone at a cost of `40.65 crore. To be taken up in two tranches, the restoration will require the razing of 146 structures.

However, the affected households have termed the compensation as inadequate. “I have not received even half of the market price for my property .The authorities should pay the affected households at least the market value of structure being pulled down,“ said a woman in Falaknuma.

“Structural compensation is being paid and we will also rehabilitate those assessed to be below the poverty line in vacant JNNURM housing,“ said a top official from GHMC's town planning department.