Ah, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) – Hyderabad's very own superhero organization that fights encroachment on roads and footpaths with the power of... well, let's just say their superpowers are as effective as a chocolate teapot. If you're a shopkeeper who's been illegally occupying footpaths and roads, don't worry – GHMC has your back by basically doing nothing meaningful about it.
The Numbers Game: Complaints vs. Reality
Let's start with some facts that'll make you laugh (or cry, depending on your perspective). Since January 2025, GHMC has been flooded with complaints about illegal structures and encroachments. Citizens registered a whopping 955 complaints during their Monday Prajavani program alone, with the town planning wing receiving 450 complaints among more than 15 different wings[1]. That's roughly 40-50% of all complaints being about unauthorized structures[1].
But here's the kicker – these numbers are just the tip of the iceberg. Back in 2020, GHMC's Asset Protection Cell received 1,859 calls in just three days after launch, with 294 complaints pertaining to encroachments within GHMC limits[2]. Fast forward to 2025, and we're still counting complaints instead of solutions.
The Great Demolition Show
GHMC loves to put on a show. They announce grand demolition drives with great fanfare, deploy six special teams with modern equipment, JCBs, and vehicles for debris removal[3]. They target 48 road stretches covering 127.5 km with 4,133 identified encroachments[3]. Sounds impressive, right?
But wait, there's more! The real comedy begins within days of these spectacular demolitions. Illegal structures have been reappearing on the city's roads and footpaths, within days of the GHMC removing them[4]. In West Marredpally, encroachments which were removed returned to the same locations within days, with most of the signboards and stalls being set up back on footpaths and walkways again[4].
The Three-Day Magic Trick
Here's GHMC's favorite magic trick: they demolish illegal structures, and within three days, the businesses began encroaching the footpaths and walkways again[4]. It's like watching a really bad magic show where the rabbit keeps appearing back in the hat, but the magician acts surprised every single time.
As one frustrated resident put it: "We thought the demolition would solve the problem, but the encroachments are back as if nothing happened"[4]. Local vendor Syed Ansar perfectly captured the situation: "Where do we go? This stall feeds my family. I reopened my shop because I don't have any alternative"[5].
The Manpower Shortage Excuse
GHMC has a brilliant excuse for their failures: manpower shortage. According to officials, they "don't have staff and equipment" to deal with illegal constructions and encroachments[6]. When residents lodge complaints, the stoic reply in most cases is "We have served notice and there is shortage of manpower to demolish the structures"[6].
This is particularly hilarious considering they managed to terminate 27 engineers working on an outsourcing basis due to corrupt practices[1]. So they have enough manpower to fire people but not enough to actually do the job they're supposed to do.
The Footpath Rental Business
Here's where it gets really entertaining. While GHMC struggles to remove encroachments, there's a thriving footpath rental business in Hyderabad. Footpath brokers charge between Rs 15,000 to Rs 18,000 per month for allowing vendors to set up shop on public footpaths[7]. One mobile repair shop owner, Syed Faiaz, was paying Rs 18,000 per month to brokers for three years for a spot on the footpath[7].
The brokers are reportedly backed by some 'influential' people[7], which explains why GHMC's efforts are about as effective as using a water gun to fight a dragon.
The Court Orders That Nobody Follows
The Telangana High Court has been giving GHMC directions to remove encroachments on several occasions[3]. In 2018, the court directed GHMC to form anti-encroachment teams and warned of stringent punishment for repeat offenders[8]. The court even ordered continuous monitoring to ensure strict vigil on repeat offenders[8].
But here's the punchline: GHMC is stuck with more than 12,000 pending cases in various courts[9], with some cases pending for more than 25 years[9]. They're so busy fighting court cases that they've forgotten what they're supposed to be doing on the ground.
The HYDRA vs GHMC Turf War
To make matters even more ridiculous, GHMC is now in a turf war with HYDRA (Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring and Protection Agency). While HYDRA successfully demolishes structures that "appear to have been removed for good"[4], GHMC's demolitions are like tissue paper in the rain – they dissolve immediately.
The government has implicitly indicated that GHMC has failed by transferring monsoon relief operations and drain maintenance responsibilities to HYDRA[10]. It's like being told your sibling is better at doing your chores while you're still in the room.
The Weekly Saturday Josh
GHMC has now decided to conduct weekly anti-encroachment drives every Saturday[11], targeting at least one road per circle[11]. It's like they've turned encroachment removal into a weekend ritual rather than a daily responsibility .
The Bottom Line: A Municipal Corporation That Doesn't Compute
So there you have it – GHMC's brilliant strategy for dealing with road and footpath encroachments:
955 complaints received in a few months, but encroachments keep returning within three days. Six special teams deployed, but manpower shortage blamed for inaction. Rs 18,000 monthly rent charged by brokers for illegal footpath occupation, while GHMC issues notices that nobody reads. 12,000 pending court cases with some 25 years old, but they're still taking on new demolition drives every Saturday.
The shopkeepers and vendors know the system better than the system knows itself. They pay their unofficial rent, get their shops demolished for show, wait for the cameras to leave, and then set up shop again. It's a beautifully choreographed dance where everyone knows their role except the municipal corporation that's supposed to be in charge.
Meanwhile, pedestrians continue to navigate through a maze of illegal shops, vendors, and debris, wondering if footpaths are actually meant for walking or if they've been permanently converted into the world's most expensive retail space.
Disclaimer:
No actual solutions were harmed in the making of this blog. GHMC's effectiveness in dealing with encroachments may vary from zero to slightly above zero. Side effects may include loss of faith in civic governance and an overwhelming urge to start your own footpath rental business.
Citations:
[1] GHMC faces surge in plaints on illegal structures, encroachments https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/ghmc-faces-surge-in-plaints-on-illegal-structures-encroachments/articleshow/120674788.cms
[2] GHMC's asset cell flooded with encroachment complaints https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/asset-cell-flooded-with-encroachment-plaints/articleshow/77967337.cms
[3] GHMC to crackdown on vendors, anti-encroachment drive from today https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2018/Jun/30/ghmc-to-crackdown-on-vendors--anti-encroachment-drive-from-today-1835880.html
[4] Illegal Structures Reappear on City Roads and Footpaths After ... https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/illegal-structures-reappear-on-city-roads-and-footpaths-after-ghmc-removal-1845255
[5] Marredpally Vendors Back, Reopen Kiosks - Deccan Chronicle https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/marredpally-vendors-back-reopen-kiosks-1841300
[6] Illegal construction, encroachment, failure to implement rules sully ... https://www.siasat.com/illegal-construction-encroachment-failure-to-implement-rules-sully-systematic-growth-of-hyderabad-3199879/
[7] 'Footpath brokers' extort Rs 18,000 per month from vendors in ... https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2018/May/26/footpath-brokers-extort-rs-18000-per-month-from-vendors-in-hyderabad-1819594.html
[8] Form Anti Encroaching Team: HC to GHMC Chief | Hyderabad News https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/form-anti-encroaching-team-hc-to-ghmc-chief/articleshow/62216267.cms
[9] Hyderabad: Over 12,000 cases pending against GHMC - Siasat.com https://www.siasat.com/hyderabad-over-12000-cases-pending-against-ghmc-2259244/
[10] Hydra vs GHMC Clash for supremacy - Real Estate Guru | Regnews https://regnews.in/hydra-vs-ghmc-clash-for-supremacy
[11] Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) to crack the whip ... https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/greater-hyderabad-municipal-corporation-ghmc-to-crack-the-whip-on-squatters-footpaths-road-margins-to-be-cleared-zonal-officials-to-monitor-action/articleshow/122014740.cms
[12] https://ghmc.gov.in/howdoi.aspx https://ghmc.gov.in/howdoi.aspx
[13] Telangana HC asks GHMC to keep footpaths free of encroachments ... https://telanganatoday.com/telangana-hc-asks-ghmc-to-keep-footpaths-free-of-encroachments-in-hyderabad
[14] GHMC demolishes encroachment in Hydearabad's Jubilee Hills park https://www.newindianexpress.com/cities/hyderabad/2025/Jan/21/ghmc-demolishes-encroachment-in-hydearabads-jubilee-hills-park
[15] GHMC and SCB Clear Footpath Encroachments in West Marredpally https://www.deccanchronicle.com/southern-states/telangana/ghmc-and-scb-clear-footpath-encroachments-in-west-marredpally-1840740
[16] GHMC to Crack Down on Squatters and Encroachments in Hyderabad https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/ghmc-to-crack-down-on-squatters-and-encroachments-in-hyderabad/articleshow/111415947.cms
[17] GHMC Cracks Down on Footpath Encroachments in Langar House https://munsifdaily.com/ghmc-cracks-down-on-footpath-encroachments-in-langar-house/
[18] Hyderabad's new helpline to report encroachments flooded with calls https://www.thenewsminute.com/telangana/hyderabad-s-new-helpline-report-encroachments-flooded-calls-128302
[19] Dismantle Encroachments On 2 Lakes, Ngt To Ghmc - Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/dismantle-encroachments-on-2-lakes-ngt-to-ghmc/articleshow/103564356.cms
[20] GHMC to Introduce Online Portal to Prevent Illegal Constructions https://www.constructionworld.in/latest-construction-news/real-estate-news/ghmc-to-introduce-online-portal-to-prevent-illegal-constructions/66845
[21] GHMC accused of inaction on encroachment - Deccan Chronicle https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/010822/ghmc-accused-of-inaction-on-encroachment.html
[22] Despite high number of driving challans, fatalities rise in Telangana https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2020/Jan/17/despite-high-number-of-driving-challans-fatalities-rise-in-telangana-2090614.html
[23] HYDRAA to draft plan to protect encroached lakes in ORR, HMDA ... https://www.siasat.com/hydraa-to-draft-plan-to-protect-encroached-lakes-in-orr-hmda-limits-3207169/
[24] GHMC to appease encroachers - Deccan Chronicle https://www.deccanchronicle.com/nation/current-affairs/011019/ghmc-to-appease-encroachers.html
[25] GHMC fails to spot illegal buildings until construction is complete ... https://www.thenewsminute.com/telangana/ghmc-fails-to-spot-illegal-buildings-until-construction-is-complete-says-telangana-hc
[26] GHMC starts drive to raze footpath shops in Old City - Times of India https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/hyderabad/ghmc-starts-drive-to-raze-footpath-shops-in-old-city/articleshow/86128884.cms
[27] HYDRAA demolition row gives BRS fresh impetus to regain lost ... https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/hydraa-demolition-row-gives-brs-fresh-impetus-to-regain-lost-ground-101728325805490.html
[28] GHMC removes illegal structures on Asifnagar-Jhirra Road https://www.telanganatribune.com/ghmc-removes-illegal-structures-on-asifnagar-jhirra-road/
[29] Hundreds of footpath encroachments removed in Hyderabad to ... https://www.siasat.com/hundreds-of-footpath-encroachments-removed-in-hyderabad-to-ease-traffic-3178747/
[30] GHMC https://www.ghmc.gov.in
[31] GHMC and SCB restore public footpaths in Hyderabad - UrbanAcres https://urbanacres.in/ghmc-and-scb-restore-public-footpaths-in-hyderabad/
[32] GHMC Demolishes Footpath Encroachments in Mailardevpally The ... https://www.instagram.com/reel/DDuBP9bzGw7/
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