HYDERABAD: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on April 4, 2026, carried out a special drive to remove encroachments on footpaths and road margins across the city, acting on directions of the High Court and state government.
The drive was conducted simultaneously in all six GHMC zones, with officials selecting one major road stretch per zone and deploying staff from multiple circles to ensure coordination and smooth execution.
Officials said 798 encroachments were removed, including 340 permanent and 458 temporary structures.
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Coordinated action across departments ensures smooth execution
The Vigilance Wing coordinated with Law & Order and Traffic Police, while the Engineering Wing arranged machinery and manpower. The Sanitation Wing cleared debris after removal.
Senior officials, including the GHMC Commissioner, Chief City Planner and zonal commissioners, inspected the drive. Deputy commissioners, town planning staff and personnel from other wings also participated.
Among the major stretches covered were Rallaguda Road in Shamshabad, Laad Bazar to Puranapul Road in Charminar, Aramgarh to Pillar No. 252 in Rajendranagar, and Secunderabad railway station road from Rathifile Bus Stand to Alpha Hotel.
GHMC stated that similar drives will continue and urged citizens and shopkeepers not to encroach on public spaces, warning that violations will be cleared by the department.
GHMC trains officials on emerging vector-borne disease control
On the same day, GHMC conducted a training-cum-sensitisation programme on emerging vector-borne diseases at its Command Control Centre.
The session was attended by senior officials, including Commissioner R V Karnan, Additional Commissioner (Health) Dr Priyanka Ala, Additional Commissioner (Sanitation) Ravi Kiran, and public health experts.
In his remarks, the Commissioner stressed a scientific, citizen-centric and technology-driven approach to address mosquito-related issues and strengthen public health systems.
A technical session by Dr B Reddya Naik, Professor and Head of Zoology at Osmania University, focused on the use of artificial intelligence and satellite imaging for identifying mosquito breeding sites and improving surveillance.
Focus on AI, drone-based solutions for vector management
Officials discussed AI-driven tools such as Smart Mosquito Surveillance Systems (SMoSS), along with global innovations in larval detection and urban vector mapping.
The Commissioner directed the formation of a technical committee comprising experts from public health, entomology and academia to develop standard operating procedures aligned with national guidelines under the National Vector Borne Disease Control Programme and the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare.
The committee will focus on species-specific control strategies, seasonal preparedness, outbreak response, and management of large water bodies.
Officials said the initiative reflects GHMC's push towards adopting evidence-based and sustainable approaches to safeguard public health.