ADILABAD: Drainage channels and nalas in the district headquarters are being encroached upon, with construction activity continuing as officials allegedly look the other way.
The issue has come under renewed focus after a seven-storey building being constructed over an encroached nala collapsed in Hyderabad on Saturday, killing two people. The incident has raised concerns over similar illegal constructions on nalas and drainage channels in Adilabad.
Critics allege that the municipal authorities act only when complaints are received and stop following up after issuing notices, allowing encroachments to continue.
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Task force committee remains inactive
The municipal administration had constituted a district-level task force (DTF) committee to act against constructions over nalas and drainage channels and buildings that lack permission.
The committee comprises a municipal official and one official each from the revenue, Roads and Buildings, fire services and police departments. Demolition of illegal structures is supposed to be carried out under its supervision.
The committee is also required to review complaints about illegal constructions once every 15 days. However, the committees have reportedly not been functioning actively for a long time.
Critics allege that officials issue notices to encroachers and then take no further action. On some occasions, officials have reportedly tried to initiate action but backed off following pressure from public representatives.
Encroachments reported across several localities
Several constructions have come up over drainage channels in Shantinagar, Vidyanagar, Dwarakanagar, Ramnagar, KRK Colony and Bhuktapur, according to the report.
Several structures have also reportedly come up by encroaching on the buffer zone on either side of the stream flowing from the Mavala forest area. During heavy rains, when the stream swells, residents are forced to vacate their houses to protect their lives.
In commercial areas, shop complexes have built ramps over nalas and drainage channels in front of their premises. In some places, the encroachments have also prevented sanitation workers from carrying out desilting work.