Destruction, at what cost?

Lalita Iyer Musings

There was a time when as a reporter I would take affront and report about the cavalier attitude of the authorities as they confiscated hand carts and thus break local businesses. The self-respect of these hard working people would look woebegone atop the police van.

I feel the same angst to witness local businesses brought down without a thought of providing an alternate space. As a matter of fact, these micro enterprises should be encouraged for, people throng for an affordable chai and snacks.

HYDRAA’s penchant to go on a demolition drive is due to the illegal buildings that sprouted here, there and everywhere and have broken every rule of FSA is quite obvious. What is not clear, though is why did it take so long for action to take place?

Did the state government have to wait till illegal water pipelines and electric lines had been given? Till people had occupied the flats and started hanging their colourful underwear on their balcony?

Somebody is responsible for giving permission to build seven floors on 75 square yards? How long does it take for the government to find the erring official who put a stamp on these papers? How come no arrests have been made of a single official? And why did the government allow the building?

Assuming there are no legal papers and it was just in collusion, even that surely points a finger at some official or officials? Why haven't they been arrested? Shouldn't the government-wing, in this case, the ward of the municipal Corporation be held accountable? For not noticing the gross violation.

Or all of them let it pass. Even then shouldn't they be also filed and booked? In all the offices of the revenue department, all of them are in collusion and there is huge money transaction. On an everyday basis. Everyone knows. But of course, a JCB is not allowed within the revenue department.

How about arresting the guys who gave water connection to these buildings (especially when there was such water shortage this summer). The current fellow, probably should be awarded and appreciated for having the genius to give illegal connection from that mire of wires and empower people.

Why is HYDRAA not thinking of wrecking one of those over extended bungalows in Jubilee Hills, where navigating the street, on which our dear CM lives, is the most difficult. Narrow roads, double parked cars and the evening peak hour can really point out at all the broken laws here, especially where some top official or a distant relative of a minister, who has even extended into a mini park with exotic flowers on to the pavement.

Or break the exteriors of all the saree shops, which have cropped up in Jubilee Hills. Tall steps, several security guards in safari suits and huge flexis of the upcoming sales to happen. Slow ladies emerge out of tall, high-end cars for shopping in these places. During season the place is unbelievable. But then all these places are owned by some minister or his relative. Illegal but powerful.

Sure HYDRAA is doing its job and with a force, which can only be read as vengeful, by those at the receiving end. But the tragedy is that it is reflecting only on the struggling citizens.

– Lalita Iyer 

  Senior Journalist