Hyderabad: Mild tension prevailed in Hyderabad’s Saroornagar suburb as aggravated shopkeepers resisted eviction of the HUDA Commercial Complex, ordered by The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), on Tuesday, February 11.
The HMDA, on Monday, had ordered the evacuation of the HUDA commercial complex, citing dilapidated conditions, and taking public safety into account. However, the next day when HMDA officials directed the shopkeepers to evacuate the concerned shops, they resisted the action, arguing that the case was in court.
The commercial complex, consisting of 32 shops/blocks was built by the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA), the predecessor of HMDA, in 1981. The shops were allotted on lease to the shopkeepers, and the contracts expired in 2008.
According to a report submitted by the Department of Civil Engineering, University College of Engineering, Osmania University, Hyderabad, the condition of the building was poor and was beyond repair and restoration, making it dangerous for the people.
The HMDA had issued notice to the shopkeepers of the Saroornagar HUDA complex earlier, which the shopkeepers in the court contested. After multiple rounds of litigation, the court ordered HMDA to proceed with the evacuation as per the Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971. This was followed by the HMDA notice and the evacuation action.
Footpath encroachments removed in Hyderabad
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has intensified efforts to reclaim pedestrian spaces, removing hundreds of footpath encroachments since December 2024. This initiative aims to improve walkability and ensure safer pathways for the public.
The action was taken as part of Operation ROPE (Removal of Obstructive Parking and Encroachments). The GHMC, in collaboration with the city’s traffic police, has removed 744 encroachments in two months.
The GHMC said that the anti-encroachment drive aims to reduce traffic congestion and restore footpaths for pedestrian use.
It clarified that temporary encroachments obstructing sidewalks or extending onto roads have been dismantled. It was carried out with the assistance of police.
