GHMC to launch Anti-encroachment cell very soon

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is coming up with an Anti-Encroachment Cell.

The cell will be operated and maintained by GHMC’s Enforcement, Vigilance and Disaster Management (EVDM) wing. Officials are making all efforts to launch the cell by the first week of February.

The cell will function on the lines of a call centre with a dedicated complaint cell where citizens can lodge complaints over a toll free number or through online system. The details shared by citizens as well as their identity will be safeguarded and kept confidential, GHMC EVDM Director Viswajit Kampati said here on Monday.

There are nearly 3,000 parks in the GHMC limits. Last year, the EVDM had conducted a pilot project to study encroachments in these parks. During the drive, one park was identified in each circle and accordingly encroachments were detected in 17 parks.

Compound walls were constructed at a few



parks and security was strengthened at others to prevent unauthorized use. Citing the example of the MLA Colony Park in Banjara Hills, where the park space was saved from unauthorized use, Kampati said action has to be initiated in case of 10 parks as there are a few legal issues.

Considering the complaints and issues connected with parks, lakebeds, open spaces in layouts and other government lands, it was decided to launch an exclusive anti encroachment cell. The idea is to ensure use of minimum manpower and effective use of technology. Save for a few personnel to receive complaints and other administrative works, the current enforcement staff will be utilized in saving the lands, he said.

After a complaint is received in the cell, the respective zone or circle enforcement staff will be alerted. After conducting a detailed inspection, the staff will initiate action and save land from encroachments, he explained.