Two workers killed as authorities act against unauthorised construction
- The suspension of a Town Planning Building Officer following the deadly Gachibowli building collapse has raised serious questions about the failure of the enforcement system.
- Two workers were killed when a seven storey under construction building collapsed in Anjaiah Nagar, Gachibowli, on August 22.
- The Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC) has suspended U. Santosh Kumar, Town Planning Building Officer, Circle 50, Madhapur, alleging that he failed to take necessary action to stop the unauthorised construction.
The biggest question: Why was it allowed to continue?
- According to the CMC, the building was allegedly constructed without required permission and prescribed setbacks. A notice had reportedly been issued on June 17, yet construction continued.
- If authorities already knew about the violation, why was effective action not taken before the building collapsed?
- A notice alone cannot protect lives. Enforcement is what matters.
HYDRAA and CMC now step in
Following the tragedy, CMC has ordered a wider inspection of unauthorised constructions across its jurisdiction.
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath has also announced a special drive in Anjaiah Nagar to identify unsafe and unauthorised structures. Action, including demolition where necessary, is expected against buildings found to be dangerous or in violation of rules.
One suspension is not enough
The suspension is an important step, but the investigation must answer a bigger set of questions:
- Who allowed the construction to continue?
- Why was earlier action not enforced?
- Were other officials aware of the violations?
- How many similar unsafe structures exist in Hyderabad?
Citizens deserve clear answers.
Hyderabad needs prevention, not action after tragedy
Hyderabad is growing rapidly, but construction is putting increasing pressure on Roads, Drainage, Water, Electricity, Parking and Emergency access.
Illegal and unsafe construction must be stopped before lives are lost not after a building collapses.
Two workers lost their lives. Their deaths should not become just another statistic.
Rules are meant to prevent tragedies. If authorities know about violations, they must act.
The Gachibowli collapse should be a turning point for stronger enforcement, greater accountability and safer construction across Hyderabad.
