Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) on Thursday, June 4, conducted an anti-encroachment drive at Miyapur, removing furniture shops and other encroachments near New Colony.

The civic body also demolished huts, leading to a commotion in the area. People alleged that shops and huts were being demolished without any prior notice. The demolition drive was conducted amid heavy police presence.

The anti-encroachment drive is reportedly being conducted as the Telangana Chief Minister will lay foundation stones for development projects in Miyapur.

The GHMC claimed that encroachments on government land are being targeted. Videos shared on social media showed JCB machines demolishing the makeshift huts in the colony.

The affected residents held a protest and raised “we want justice” slogans.

Previous such drive

On April 18, the GHMC conducted an anti-encroachment drive at Attapur and other parts of the city. The drive began at 7 am amid police presence. According to a schedule shared by the civic body, the drive was taken up in six other zones, including Shamshabad, Rajendranagar, Charminar, Golconda, Khairatabad, and Secunderabad.

The GHMC deployed earth movers across the zones at Chatrinaka junction, Aramgarh area, Mehdipatnam and Gudimalkapur areas, Kachiguda junction, Maheshwari-Parameshwari theatre, Sultan Bazar, near Andhra Bank Signal (Sultan Bazar), Gandhi Hospital, and Padmarao Nagar.

Miyapur

Miyapur is a rapidly developing residential and commercial suburb located in the northwestern part of Hyderabad, India. Historically, it was a small agricultural village, but it transformed significantly in the early 2000s with the expansion of Hyderabad’s IT corridor and real estate boom. Today, it is known for its bustling neighborhoods, shopping centers, and connectivity via the Hyderabad Metro Rail.

New Colony

New Colony is a historic neighborhood in the city of Pune, India, known for its charming bungalows and tree-lined streets. Established in the early 20th century (around the 1920s), it was developed as a residential area for middle-class families, reflecting the colonial-era architecture and urban planning of the time. Today, it remains a sought-after locality, blending its heritage character with modern amenities.

Attapur

Attapur is a neighborhood located in the southwestern part of Hyderabad, India, with a history tied to the region’s development under the Qutb Shahi and Asaf Jahi dynasties. The area was historically a small village that grew due to its proximity to the Musi River and later expanded as part of Hyderabad’s urban sprawl. Today, Attapur is known for its residential communities, commercial hubs, and landmarks like the Attapur Ring Road junction, which connects it to major parts of the city.

Charminar

Charminar is a historic monument and mosque located in Hyderabad, India, built in 1591 by Sultan Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah. Its name, meaning “Four Minarets,” comes from its distinctive architecture featuring four grand arches and towering minarets. The structure was constructed to commemorate the founding of Hyderabad and the end of a plague, and it remains a iconic symbol of the city’s rich cultural heritage.

Golconda

Golconda is a historic fortress and ruined city in southern India, near Hyderabad, that served as the capital of the Qutb Shahi dynasty from the 16th to the 17th century. Originally a mud fort built by the Kakatiya dynasty, it was later expanded into a massive granite citadel known for its advanced acoustics, ingenious water supply system, and legendary diamond mines that produced famous gems like the Koh-i-Noor. Today, it stands as a major archaeological site and tourist attraction, showcasing a blend of Hindu and Islamic architectural styles.

Secunderabad

Secunderabad is a major city in the Indian state of Telangana, located adjacent to Hyderabad. Founded in 1806 by the British, it was named after Sikandar Jah, the then Nizam of Hyderabad, and served as a key British cantonment and railway hub. Today, it forms part of the larger Hyderabad metropolitan area, known for its colonial-era architecture and vibrant cultural blend.

Mehdipatnam

Mehdipatnam is a prominent neighborhood in Hyderabad, India, named after the Mughal prince Mehdi Ali Khan, who served as a governor in the region during the 18th century. It is historically significant for its connection to the Asaf Jahi dynasty and the Nizam of Hyderabad, with the area originally developing as a settlement for nobles and military personnel. Today, it is a bustling commercial and residential hub, known for its landmarks like the historic Mehdipatnam crossroads and the nearby Dargah of Hazrat Syed Shah Yousuf Hussaini.

Gandhi Hospital

Gandhi Hospital, located in Hyderabad, India, is a major public healthcare institution named after Mahatma Gandhi. Originally established in the early 20th century, it has grown from a small facility into a large, multi-specialty teaching hospital affiliated with the Gandhi Medical College. The hospital plays a vital role in providing affordable medical care to the region’s underserved populations.