Afzalgunj tense as GHMC demolishes footpath encroachments

Tension prevailed in Afzalgunj as GHMC officials, backed by police, demolished footpath encroachments following High Court orders. Shopkeepers and AIMIM supporters protested the operation, claiming they received no notice. Police eventually restored order and the demolition was completed

Hyderabad: Tension escalated at Afzalgunj when the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) initiated the demolition of footpath encroachments on Thursday.

According to the GHMC Deputy Commissioner, G Uma Shankar, the operation aimed at clearing illegal structures based on the High Court orders was met with resistance from local shopkeepers.

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When the GHMC officials, accompanied by police personnel, arrived at the site to carry out the demolition, the situation turned tense as shopkeepers protested against the move, arguing that they were not given prior notice.

Meanwhile, AIMIM party supporters and GHMC Corporators arrived at the spot in support of the shopkeepers. They held a protest and bid to stop the demolition, and some supporters also asked the JCB driver to leave the spot without demolition. A heated argument also took place between shopkeepers and the police.

“Despite the protests, the demolition continued as the encroachments were obstructing pedestrian movement and needed to be removed for public safety,” a GHMC engineering official told ‘Telangana Today’. The situation was eventually brought under control by the police, and the demolition was completed, according to the Afzalgunj police.

GHMC authorities say the footpath meant for pedestrians and passengers was encroached upon by those doing fruit business, causing inconvenience to the daily commuters.