GHMC pulls down illegal shops, clears bottleneck outside busy OGH

HYDERABAD: Officials of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on Wednesday pulled down 30-odd unauthorized shops which had encroached a road opposite the Osmania General Hospital along the Begum Bazaar stretch.
The shops had encroached a major portion of the main road and were obstructing the movement of vehicular traffic. “We had received complaints about encroachments on this particular road. It was next to impossible for a vehicle to move on the street,” said Srinivas, assistant city planner, Circle no 5.
“There was opposition from the shop owners, but we went ahead with the demolitions as we were armed with orders. The police provided us with the required assistance,” he added.
Afzalgunj police too said they had received several complaints about the encroachments. “The shop owners protested and tried to argue with the civic officials. However, no police complaint has been lodged so far against the demolitions,” said C Anjaiah, station house officer, Afzalgunj police station.