Two Dead in Gachibowli Building Collapse Amid Illegal Construction Row
Two workers were killed on Saturday when an illegal seven-storey building collapsed in Anjaiahnagar, Gachibowli, highlighting the widespread presence of dangerous and unauthorised multi-storey structures across the locality.
The collapse also caused injuries to a 25-year-old resident of Jayadarsini Residency after falling debris crashed down onto him. According to local residents, dozens of similar buildings rising over five storeys high have been built on plots measuring only 50 to 60 square yards in Anjaiahnagar.
Residents of Whitefields, a planned layout adjoining Anjaiahnagar, stated that illegal excavation for these multi-storey structures has been causing damage to their homes. While excavation is officially prohibited during the monsoon season, it continued unchecked at the collapsed site despite existing regulations.
Civic negligence and an unchecked nexus between politicians, builders, and officials have left both occupants of illegal hostels and residents of nearby approved apartment complexes at severe risk. Similar unauthorised multi-storey buildings have surfaced in other neighbourhoods, including Hafeezpet, Kukatpally, Krishna Nagar, Ameerpet, Dilsukhnagar, and Chikkadpally, where town-planning wings have routinely neglected periodic inspections.
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath stated that numerous unauthorised structures have been erected directly adjacent to stormwater drains in Anjaiahnagar. He noted that seven-storey buildings coming up on plots as small as 50 square yards present severe hazards to life, confirming that a special drive will be conducted in coordination with the Cyberabad Municipal Corporation.
Cyberabad Municipal Commissioner G. Srijana stated that officials had previously issued notices to the builder and sealed the structure, but work later resumed illegally. She confirmed that authorities will conduct inspections on all such unauthorised buildings in the area and demolish any that lack required permissions.
