Hyderabad: Illegal structures near RGIA pose huge threat

Shamshabad: In blatant violation of rules, a number of illegal structures are coming up in the bio conservation areas along the peripheries of the State capital, while the authorities seem to be sitting pretty closing their eyes towards these unlawful activities.

There are several Illegal constructions being taken up in villages in the Rajiv Gandhi International Airports (RGIA) Bio Conservation Zone without obtaining NOC from the Airport Authority of India (AAI), which are likely to cause huge damage to not only for the RGIA, but also for ecosystem in general.

Godowns, commercial establishments and other buildings have been set up in the airport bio conservation limits with civic authorities turning a blind eye. The AAI announced that eight villages will come under the limits of Airport Bio Conservation Zone where any construction activities are prohibited without the NOC of AAI. Only permission for constructing residential houses are only being given in these areas.

Gollapally, Bahadurguda, Rashidguda, Thondupally, Shankarapur, Chinna Golconda, Hamidulla Nagar and Gansimiya Guda villages come under the limits of Bio Conservation Zone of the RGIA. In this zone, for other than residential constructions, NOC from AAI is mandatory. But the people after obtaining permission for residential houses, are constructing godowns and other commercial establishments.

Auto Nagar is set up in the limits of airport bio conservation zone and other commercial activities are being taken up in this zone. Many godowns have been established within the limits of the zone but are being run by residential permission.

According to official sources, the government has appointed a committee to ensure that the rules and regulations of bio conservation zone should be followed under the chairmanship of DPO and members like MPDO, MPO, Tahsildar and airport representative. These members have to inspect the areas within the zone and should take actions against the irregular structures. But the committee is allegedly not taking any necessary actions to stop the irregularities.

Though illegal godowns have been constructed near the runway in Rashidguda village, the officials are not taking any necessary actions. Several accidents have been reported due to the movements of heavy trucks in this area.

As the airplanes have to fly at a low level while taking off and landing, these illegal structures are posing grave danger to the air passengers. Despite this, commercial buildings, dumping yards, function halls, godowns and other structures are dotting the zone.

According to Shamshabad Mandal Panchayat Officer Surender Reddy, notices were issued to the owners of illegal constructions. The officials will inspect these areas in the zone and will demolish the illegal construction, he said.