GACHIBOWLI, HYDERABAD: Authorities in Hyderabad began demolishing a five-storey building, Happy Residency, in the Siddiq Nagar area of Gachibowli on Wednesday, after it tilted the previous night, raising concerns about its stability and the risk of collapse. The building’s tilt triggered panic among residents, who were swiftly evacuated.
Building Tilts, Causing Panic and Injuries
The incident occurred around 9 PM on Tuesday when the structure suddenly tilted to the left, sending shockwaves through the residents. Most of the occupants managed to flee, but one individual, Iqbal Hussain, jumped from the third floor in an attempt to escape. He sustained injuries and was rushed to a nearby hospital, where his condition was reported to be stable. The other residents were relocated to a local community hall for safety.
Construction Violation and Foundation Issues
Happy Residency was built on a 50-square-foot plot in 2022, in violation of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) building norms. The five-storey structure, including a penthouse, had residential flats on the upper floors, while the ground floor and penthouse each had one bedroom. The building was situated near an open plot, where construction work had recently begun.
According to a GHMC official, excavation work to erect two support pillars on the adjacent plot may have compromised the foundation of Happy Residency, leading to its tilt. This appears to have triggered the dangerous situation, which prompted emergency action by local authorities.
Evacuations and Demolition Efforts
In response to the emergency, teams from the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA), GHMC, and the Telangana revenue department were dispatched to the site. Police cordoned off the area, and residents of nearby buildings were evacuated as a precaution. Authorities carefully began demolishing the tilted building on Wednesday, ensuring that adjacent structures were not affected.
Owner Responds, GHMC Orders Inquiry
The owner of the building, V. Swapna, revealed that she had built the property after selling a piece of agricultural land, but declined to comment on whether the necessary permissions had been obtained for constructing a five-storey building on such a small plot. A GHMC official confirmed that an inquiry had been initiated to determine whether the required approvals for the construction were in place.
As the situation continues to unfold, authorities are taking steps to ensure the safety of residents and investigate the circumstances surrounding the building’s construction and subsequent tilt.
