GHMC staff told to keep track of old structures

HYDERABAD: With heavy rains lashing the city and following forecast of incessant rain alerts for next three days, GHMC staff assistant city planners have been instructed to be vigilant in vulnerable areas and keep a track of old and dilapidated buildings.

Over 900 to 1,000 buildings in the city are weak and likely to crumble down at any point if heavy rains continue. If people living in structurally-weak buildings refuse to vacate them, GHMC would seal the building. Corporation already issued warnings to all owners and builders not to carry out excavation of cellars throughout the monsoon and warned that strict action would be taken against builders who violate the rule.

The civic body has decided to either evacuate or demolish dilapidated structures in its limits. GHMC commissioner B Janardhan Reddy has directed the officials to conduct a thorough check in their respective areas on the condition of buildings, compound and retaining walls which are in dilapidated condition.
In case of already dug cellars, the builders or owners have been be advised to take safety measures. He also asked the officials to keep men and machinery available in case of emergency. The officials should also be alert on messages from control room and weather reports from IMD, he said.