The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) demolished five buildings in Maitrivanam and Ameerpet on Thursday. Owners of the demolished buildings expressed deep resentment and opposed the GHMC’s act. However, GHMC officials said the demolition is part of land acquisition for Metro Rail.
 
The demolition started early on Thursday opposite the South India shopping mall on the busy Maitrivanam road in Ameerpet. The GHMC with the help of the police demolished sheds near the main road and knocked off walls. The structures were not completely vacant when the demolition was on.
 
Mr L. Srinivas Yadav, one of the owners said, “No notice was issued by the GHMC for the demolition. The owners were kept in the dark. Based on information from locals we reached the spot and were shocked to see the bull dozers. The GHMC should follow the three notice rule. If the owners refuse to reply or ignore the notice the GHMC has the right to demolish after the third notice.”
 
Ms N. Shanthi, the owner of a food joint said, “They destroyed my livelihood. The corporation did not give us time to shift. With the help of the police they just started demolishing. The officials were not willing to hear us.”
 
However the GHMC Circle 5 officials explained, “Notices of land acquisition were issued to all owners earlier. The demolition is not being carried out without prior information. The land is being acquired for Metro Rail. Similar demolitions were carried out at Nampally on Thursday.”