Shastripuram Colony moves High Court over heavy vehicles entry

Rajendranagar: Despite knowing that trade-related loading and unloading activities are prohibited in a residential area, heavy vehicles carrying freight loads keep moving in Shastripuram Colony much to the chagrin of the residents. They took the issue to the notice of the High Court.

"Trade-related loading/unloading is continuing in the colony. Heavy vehicles are regularly making their way directly into the colony from different sides, as some units remain operational in the colony. Though the GHMC erected caution boards at several locations against industrial activities in the colony, errant industries don't give a hoot to such rules.

"When the matter was taken to the HC notice through the council of petitioner Pushpinder Kaur, it ordered the departments concerned to carry out inspections and ensure that no such movement of heavy vehicles be allowed in the colony," said Syed Shoukar Ali, a senior citizen.

Jolted by the court order, GHMC officials, police, Pollution Control Board (PCB), traffic and electricity personnel went into a huddle on Monday in the chamber of Deputy Commissioner, Rajendranagar, and discussed the plan of action against the errant industries. They decided to draw a strategy to act against those violating court orders by continuing industrial activities in a residential colony, informed an official.

The meeting decided that officials of TSPDCL would verify 'illegal' industrial connections in the colony. The PCB would check the parameters of pollution levels and the Rajendranagar traffic police would stop heavy vehicles from entering the colony. Besides, the GHMC Deputy Commissioner would inspect all interior lanes to ascertain whether the loading/unloading activities are relinquished while new sheds, if found reconstructed, are pulled down.

"However, before rolling up sleeves to take on illegal industries in the colony, officials will re-verify all measures taken till now in the colony to check industrial activities. They will decide an appropriate date to carry out the task against the remaining offenders," said the official. The Mylardevpally CI will ensure protection of the petitioners and visiting officials, on the date, when the proposed inspection is carried out.