Telangana HC gives GHMC, police two weeks to clear Hyderabad footpaths
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Hyderabad: The Telangana High Court has reprimanded civic bodies for failing to clear widespread footpath encroachments and has given the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Traffic Police and HYDRAA a final two-week deadline to submit a detailed compliance report.
Hearing a public interest petition on the illegal occupation of pedestrian walkways, Justice N.V. Shravan Kumar said authorities had not followed through on the court’s May 4 directions and ordered immediate action citywide, including in the vicinity of the High Court. Petitioners told the bench that shops and makeshift structures continue to occupy pavements near the court, forcing advocates, litigants and the public onto busy roads.
The judge noted that encroachments hinder pedestrians, worsen traffic congestion and impede vehicle movement across several parts of Hyderabad. He reiterated earlier instructions that enforcement drives be carried out regularly, permanent barriers be installed to protect footpaths and unauthorised parking be promptly addressed.
Citing Supreme Court rulings, Justice Shravan Kumar stressed that planning violations and unauthorised construction must not be regularised and referred to the apex court’s 2024 guidelines on demolition procedures to underline the need for due process during enforcement. The court directed its Registry to notify all concerned departments and warned that officials must show tangible progress when the case is reviewed after two weeks.
(Inputs from IANS)