To give the pavements of Hyderabad a complete makeover, an anti-encroachment drive is being led by IPS officer Viswajit Kampati in the city. Viswajit is the Director of Enforcement, Vigilance and Disaster Management (EV&DM), under the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). He, along with his teams, has successfully removed over 13,000 pavement encroachments in Hyderabad.
Anti-encroachment drive
“Growing up in Hyderabad, I have noticed these illegal structures built on footpaths obstructing the pedestrians’ way. Now that I am in a position to make it people’s right to walk freely, I decided to take immediate action,” Viswajit said in a conversation with The Logical Indian.
So far, eight drives conducted by as many as six teams led by Viswajit have successfully utilised the provisions of Section 405 of the Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Act 1955, and have demolished more than 13,000 of these structures, giving pedestrians their right to walk. No notice will be under Section 405.
“These drives take place on Saturdays, demolishing illegal structures and ensuring there is no re-encroachment. There will be no rehabilitation for these illegally constructed structures. We have decided not to take legal action against those who constructed these structures, to give them a chance. But in cases of re-encroachments, they have been and will be heavily fined,” he said.
Viswajit, along with his teams, has successfully removed over 13,000 pavement encroachments in Hyderabad
However, green zones are being created by GHMC’s Urban Community Development (UCD) wing for vendors who conducted their business on footpaths, so that they can do with without creating an obstruction for the pedestrians.
“Illegal structures are constructed in almost all metropolitan cities, creating a nuisance for people. I would request everyone give others the right to walk freely. All citizens have been greatly appreciating our work and have reached out to us for thanking and congratulating us. Some of them have even given me the title of ‘Demolition Man of Hyderabad’ for the work I do,” he said.
While we sit and discuss what a menace these structures are for us, this IPS officer made his mission to change the city for the better. The Logical Indian appreciates Viswajit Kampati for his strict determination and resolute effort.
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