The state government has decided to turn over one hundred residential roads into commercial roads in the city.
With 111 roads being declared commercial, multiplexes, commercial complexes, malls, pubs, petrol pumps and other commercial establishments can be built in areas that were residential before the declaration.
Residents have expressed concern claiming that the government order will result in traffic congestion, space crunch, poor sanitation and sound pollution in the localities.
“This place will become a living hell; I urge the government to retract the order. Traffic is already a major issue in this area. Cars that speed in these areas are a threat, especially to children and senior citizens,” said Nishita Geeth, a resident of road number 45, Jubilee Hills.
“Schools and colleges parking their vehicles especially buses in our locality is already causing immense inconvenience to residents. With these roads being declared commercial there will hardly be any place for pedestrians to walk,” said Chitra Shenoy, a West Marredpally resident who runs an investigation agency.
City activists have also questioned the fire safety standards of the commercial establishments that will subsequently come up in the area.
“Though roads in MLA Colony, Banjara Hills and Road No.12 have not been declared as commercial roads, there are several commercial establishments in these localities that lack adequate fire safety. The life of residents is at risk in the areas that have been recently declared as commercial,” said Ridhima V, a civic activist from the city.
These roads have been made commercial to generate more revenue as property tax of commercial establishments is higher compared to that of residential properties. The nature of the commercial complexes that will be established is also a cause for concern for residents.
Mahendra Gupta, an advocate from Kondapur fears that bars in residential areas might result in accidents and mishaps.
