GHMC faces resistance from shop keepers during demolition drive near Monda Market

GHMC's demolition drive near Monda Market faces strong opposition from shopkeepers, halting enforcement efforts amid escalating tensions.

Officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), who attempted to demolish commercial encroachments near the Monda Market of Secunderabad, had to drop their mission in the face of stiff resistance from shop owners here on Saturday.

As part of planned demolition drives across the city over the weekend, GHMC officials arrived at the site with earth-mover equipment and heavy police escort. However, large crowds gathered at the location within no time, resisting the attempt. People accosted the police personnel, and laid down on the road to stop the machine from advancing.

During the demolition drive near Charminar, Member of Legislative Council (MLC) Mirza Rahmath Baig Quadri came in support of the shop owners, and started arguing with the police and GHMC staff aggressively.

A statement from GHMC informed in the evening that a special drive was taken up at several locations across the city for removal of encroachments on footpaths and road margins.

Encroachment along the footpaths being demolished by authorities between Monda Market and Secunderabad Railway Station, in Secunderabad on Saturday. | Photo Credit: RAMAKRISHNA G

Plan of action was prepared to take up up the drive on one major road stretch in each zone, and to mobilise all the staff of circles falling in the zone, for smooth conduct of the drive, the statement said. Law & Order and Traffic police were involved through coordination by the Vigilance wing, men and machinery were arranged by the Engineering section, while the Sanitation wing was kept on alert for debris clearance after removal of encroachments.