GHMC Commissioner issues detailed SoP for sealing of unauthorised premises

Commissioner of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) R.V.Karnan has issued a watertight protocol for sealing the unauthorised structures identified in the city by GHMC officials.
The standard operating procedure (SOP) issued by the GHMC Commissioner clarifies that only a higher authority than the sealing officer can unseal a property. For instance, if a Deputy Commissioner seals a building, only the Zonal Commissioner can reopen it. Similarly, if a Zonal Commissioner seals a property, only the GHMC Commissioner has the authority to remove the seal.
The SOP, outlined in an official circular, specifies two scenarios under the TG-bPASS Act, 2020, in which properties may be sealed: one, if false information or misrepresentation is used to obtain building permission; and two, if construction is carried out without permission or in deviation of sanctioned plans.
The circular also references the Supreme Court's December 2024 guidelines on demolishing unauthorised constructions, along with recent Telangana High Court directions mandating the sealing of additional floors if builders proceed with construction despite being served a show-cause notice. It further reinforces the GHMC Commissioner's authority to seal such premises under the GHMC Act, 1955.
According to the SOP, copies of the show-cause notice must be sent to the District Collector, the Special Task Force chief, the Zonal Commissioner or the designated GHMC nodal officer, and must also be conspicuously pasted on the structure.
If construction does not stop immediately after the notice is issued, the premises must be sealed without delay, the circular adds, outlining the step-by-step sealing protocol.
The owner/occupier should be given three days after which the sealing process begins. A red coloured ribbon should be tied around the entire construction, with a paper tag carrying the signature of the officer executing the operation, and the 'Panchoos' (witnesses present at the location). The office seal with wax should be affixed at every knot where the ribbon ends are tied together.
All entry and exit areas including staircases, elevators, elevator ducts and ramps should be sealed using the same procedure, if possible using plywood boards or any weather resistant boards. In case of lock & key feasibility, the lock should be covered in a cloth with thread, and sealed using office seal with wax, the circular mentioned.
Detailed sealing report should be prepared giving the names of the police and civil personnel participating in the sealing process, to be signed by two 'Panchoos'. The report should be sent to the Commissioner and displayed on the digital portal.
The whole procedure should be recorded through photography and videography. Electricity department and water board should be notified to disconnect the service connections to the sealed premises. Station House Officer and the Sub-registrar concerned should be intimated about the sealing, and also the municipal standing counsel if the property is in legal dispute.

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