The action came after Chief Minister Revanth Reddy reviewed the issue of unauthorised constructions and directed officials to take strict measures where violations pose a threat to public safety. The seven-storey under-construction building in Anjaiah Nagar collapsed on August 22, killing two workers.

Officials widen crackdown after Anjaiah Nagar collapse

According to officials, the Tuesday drive resulted in the demolition of seven structures in Serilingampally zone, two in Kukatpally and eight in Quthbullapur. Eleven other unauthorised constructions were served notices.

No compromise on student safety, HYDRAA tells colleges

Officials said 54 unauthorised constructions have so far been identified in the three zones based on complaints, Prajavani petitions and field-level inspections. A special drive to identify illegal structures circle-wise across the three municipal corporations is also planned.

The officials intend to identify and demolish unauthorised structures at the construction stage itself. In cases involving buildings already in use and matters pending in courts, action will be taken in accordance with court directions.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) and Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation commissioners have been instructed to identify unauthorised constructions on the ground and take action.

The move follows the chief minister's review of the issue. Officials were reportedly questioned about what they were doing when illegal structures were posing a risk to citizens' lives.

Contractor held in Anjaiah Nagar collapse case

Raidurgam police intensified their investigation into the building collapse. On Tuesday, they took contractor Mohammed Khaja Moinuddin into custody at Quthbullapur's Klean Nagar area and produced him before a court before sending him to judicial remand, according to the source copy. Current reports confirm that Moinuddin was taken into custody on Tuesday after being named an accused in the case.

Police allege that the building was constructed using substandard material and without adequate safety measures. The source copy says Moinuddin noticed cracks developing in the building and its subsequent weakening on the day of the incident but failed to alert local residents before leaving the area.

Police had earlier arrested the building owner, Syed Sajid, in connection with the collapse. Moinuddin was subsequently taken into custody.

Anjaiah Nagar, Siddiq Nagar emerge as construction hotspots

The source says Anjaiah Nagar and Siddiq Nagar, which fall within revenue survey numbers that remained undeveloped for decades, have become areas of intense real-estate activity following the expansion of the information technology corridor.

The two survey-number areas reportedly cover about 50-60 acres. The copy says the locations were originally intended for housing for government employees who had come from different parts of the state, but many of the houses remained vacant because employees were reluctant to live far from their workplaces.

The vacant houses and land were subsequently occupied by people who migrated to Hyderabad in search of work. Over time, the properties allegedly came into the hands of encroachers.

The source says pattas for about 1,900 houses were distributed between 1980 and 1985 in connection with the land in these areas. It also carries allegations that some local leaders purchased and sold the properties in benami names. It says only a small proportion of the present occupants are original beneficiaries, while most properties have changed hands through notary agreements.

After 2000, the expansion of the information technology sector increased demand for hostels and houses in the area. The copy says vacant plots were encroached upon and multi-storeyed buildings were constructed.

It says an existing natural route behind a government school and hostel towards Siddiq Nagar was completely blocked by unauthorised multi-storeyed buildings, which appears to have contributed to the recent disaster.

Buildings were reportedly constructed on very small plots without adequate setbacks or safety standards, with structures reaching up to seven floors. The source says some buildings are now sinking.

TNGO Colony faces similar construction violations

The source says similar conditions exist in Gachibowli's TNGO Colony and surrounding areas along the information technology corridor.

It says several multi-storeyed buildings have come up on very small plots without permissions or compliance with setback requirements. The source also carries allegations that lower-level staff receive large bribes and that complaints result only in token action.

The copy says parking demand has increased, but many buildings do not provide adequate parking facilities. Vehicles are therefore parked on narrow roads, leaving insufficient space for ambulances and fire engines to enter.

It also says sewage is flowing on roads and that residents want authorities to conduct regular inspections and take strict action against unauthorised constructions rather than acting only after an accident.