GHMC has listed 1,127 buildings as being dilapidated

The GHMC has listed 1,127 buildings as being dilapidated, of which 200 structures are in a critical condition which may collapse under moderate rain or winds.

The 200 buildings in the critical list are in Falaknuma, Musheerabad, Charminar, Goshamahal, Malakpet, Chandrayangutta, Secunderabad and Malkajgiri.Despite the unsafe condition of their buildings, residents worry that if they move out they will never be able to come back. Many residents have not vacated buildings even after receiving several notices.A GHMC official said the residents can move to some other place during the monsoon, repair or reconstruct the structure after the rains and return. He said the corporation will not carry out any rehabilitation operation.Mr Md Nizamuddin, a resident of Falaknuma, said his finances did not permit him to reconstruct the building. “The process takes years. We have seen people who left their houses being unable to get redeveloped houses. It is better to stay back,” he said.

Another resident cited emotional attachment. “We have been residing in the area for four decades. We are ready live here despite the grave conditions for three months in a year,” said Mr A. Rajeshwar Rao of Malkajgiri.Tenants of shops in commercial areas like Secunderabad and Charminar are refusing to vacate since they cannot get another space at such low rents.“Our family has been running the fruit business and our shop is pretty famous not only in the city but also other states. I am paying Rs 4,000 as rent while the market value is Rs 20,000 per month. Once the building is reconstructed, the owner might definitely rent it for a higher price,” said Mr Prasoon Agarwal, a 50-year-fruit vendor near Secunderabad railway station.

Asked about this problem, GHMC chief city planner S. Devender Reddy said that if the owners and tenants were in good terms it would be easy to return.