The Growing Issue of Undelivered Amenities in Hyderabad

Hyderabad, a thriving IT and real estate hub, attracts thousands of homebuyers every year. Builders often market luxury projects by promising modern amenities—parks, clubhouses, gyms, green spaces—charging lakhs more for them. But in many cases, these amenities never see the light of day.

One of the most common grievances is the conversion of designated children’s parks into parking lots, depriving families of vital open spaces. Worse, complaints lodged with the GHMC often go unanswered, leaving residents frustrated and powerless.

Social media, especially platforms like X (formerly Twitter), has recently amplified such issues, with residents in areas like Banjara Hills, Kukatpally, and Serilingampally raising concerns. Forums like Prajavani reveal that 40–50% of complaints relate to illegal constructions or encroachments, indicating the scale of the crisis.

Why Builders Fail to Deliver Promised Amenities

Several interconnected reasons contribute to this growing problem:

1. Profit Maximization

Builders prioritize revenue from selling parking spaces or adding unauthorized floors over developing non-revenue-generating amenities like parks.

2. Weak Enforcement

Reports suggest over 50% of Hyderabad’s buildings deviate from approved plans. Yet, GHMC’s town planning wing often fails to act, enabling widespread violations.

3. Regulatory Loopholes

Some exploit systems like TS-bPASS, obtaining permits for smaller structures (e.g., G+1) and later building extra floors without approvals.

4. Lack of Accountability

Builders operate with impunity due to slow responses from GHMC. Even repeated visits to GHMC offices often yield no results.

5. Buyer Oversight

Many buyers neglect to verify the sanctioned plan or scrutinize the sale agreement, leaving them vulnerable to such fraud.

The impact? Lost recreational spaces, falling property values, and worsening congestion—especially in localities like Shaikpet.

What to Do When Builders Fail to Deliver Amenities

If you’re a resident facing this issue, here’s a step-by-step guide to seeking redress:

1. Verify the Sale Agreement and Sanctioned Plan

• Review your sale agreement and GHMC/HMDA-sanctioned building plan.
• Confirm if the amenity (e.g., park) is included.
• Get a copy from the GHMC portal or the GHMC office at Lower Tank Bund.
• Check if the conversion of open space was approved—if not, it’s a violation of the GHMC Act (1955) and RERA norms.

2. File a Complaint with RERA Telangana

RERA (Real Estate Regulation and Development Act, 2016) empowers buyers to file formal complaints.

Steps:

• Visit rera.telangana.gov.in
• Navigate to “Complaints”
• Submit:
  • Sale agreement
  • Sanctioned plan
  • Payment receipts
  • Photo evidence of non-delivery
• Fee: ₹1,000–₹5,000 (approx.)
• Timeline: Cases typically resolved within 60 days

🔹 RERA can order refunds, completion of amenities, or penalties.

3. Escalate Complaints to GHMC

Though GHMC is slow to act, persistence helps.

Channels:

• My GHMC App → “Town Planning” or “Illegal Construction”
• Helpline: 040-2111-1111
• Prajavani: Attend the weekly redressal forum (Mondays)
• Written Petition: Submit to the GHMC Commissioner citing specific violations

If ignored, escalate to the GHMC Mayor or MA&UD Department.

4. Pursue Legal Action

If RERA and GHMC fail:

➤ Consumer Court

File under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019. Useful for demanding refunds or project completion.

➤ Civil Court

Seek an injunction against the conversion or unauthorized construction.

➤ Telangana High Court

File a PIL or writ petition for systemic failures (e.g., GHMC’s inaction).

✍️ Group cases can reduce legal costs.

5. Mobilize Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs)

Your RWA can help amplify the issue:

• Document Complaints: Collect agreements, photos, videos.
• File Collective Petition: Submit to GHMC/HMDA.
• Involve Local Leaders: Corporators, MLAs, or RTI activists.
• Engage Media: Go public on social media or local news.

RWAs can also negotiate alternative solutions, like relocating amenities elsewhere in the project.

6. Preventive Measures for Future Buyers

Before buying property in Hyderabad:

• ✅ Ensure amenities are explicitly mentioned in the sale agreement
• ✅ Check RERA registration
• ✅ Inspect GHMC-sanctioned plans
• ✅ Research the builder’s track record
• ✅ Add penalty clauses for non-delivery

⚙️ Why GHMC’s Inaction Persists

• 🚨 Overwhelmed System: 2.5 lakh writ petitions filed over five years
• 🧩 Legal Loopholes: Builders secure stay orders to avoid penalties
• 🧍‍♂️ Alleged Collusion: Accusations of GHMC staff turning a blind eye
• ⚙️ Resource Shortage: Task forces exist but lack manpower and tech

💡 However, GHMC is planning a new portal to track illegal constructions and coordinate with the Registration Dept to flag unapproved buildings.

🗺️ Role of HMDA and RERA

• HMDA: Handles planning in areas outside GHMC’s 650 sq. km limits
• RERA: Most effective legal route within city limits for contractual violations

🧠 Use both RERA and GHMC together for best results.

✊ Conclusion

Hyderabad’s real estate growth has brought modern homes—but also broken promises. When children’s parks become parking lots, residents lose trust, space, and value.

But you’re not powerless. Through:

• ✅ Verification
• ✅ RERA complaints
• ✅ GHMC escalation
• ✅ Legal action
• ✅ RWA mobilization

You can fight back.

🛡️ Homebuyers deserve what they paid for. Together, we can hold builders accountable and reclaim our urban spaces.

📣 Have You Faced Similar Issues?

Drop a comment below or share your story on social media using:

#HyderabadRealEstate #BuilderFraud #GHMCInaction

Let’s raise our voices and drive the change Hyderabad needs!

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