Near disaster in Malkajgiri: Falling boulders hit GHMC vehicle, residents blame illegal constructions

Hyderabad: A potential disaster was narrowly averted in Mallikarjuna Nagar, Malkajgiri, on Thursday after large boulders rolled down a hillside onto the main road, damaging a GHMC garbage collecting vehicle.

The incident has sparked concern among local residents, who have urged the authorities to intervene immediately to prevent a larger tragedy.

Boulders fall onto main road, vehicle damaged

According to residents, the landslide occurred on Mallikarjuna Nagar Main Road under the Medchal–Malkajgiri District.

“Today, large boulders fell from the hilltop near Mallikarjuna Nagar onto the main road. Fortunately, no casualties occurred, but a GHMC garbage collecting auto parked on the roadside was damaged by a falling boulder,” said Cirigiri Vijay Kumar, a resident and member of the Mallikarjuna Nagar Welfare Association.

Another massive boulder remains precariously positioned on the hillside and could collapse at any time, posing a serious threat to commuters and nearby homes.

Complaint submitted to the authorities

Vijay Kumar has submitted a formal representation to multiple authorities, including the Commissioner of HYDRAA (Hyderabad Disaster Response & Asset Protection Agency), the Chief Secretary of Telangana, the GHMC Commissioner, and the District Collector of Medchal–Malkajgiri.

In his complaint, he requested urgent intervention ‘on a war-footing basis’ to safeguard the area. His letter highlighted that the affected hill area is government land under HYDRAA’s jurisdiction.

“HYDRAA boards are already installed, indicating that the land is under official protection. However, it has come to notice that illegal land-grabbing activities are taking place on this government land, possibly disturbing the natural slope and leading to such incidents,” he stated.

Seven key actions requested

In his written appeal, Vijay Kumar outlined seven immediate measures for the authorities to act upon:

1. Cordon off the danger zone and restrict public and vehicular movement near the affected stretch.

2. Deploy HYDRAA, GHMC Disaster Response and Fire Safety teams to remove fallen and loose boulders.

3. Conduct a geotechnical inspection to assess slope stability.

4. Take anti-encroachment action against illegal land occupants.

5. Provide compensation or support for the damaged GHMC vehicle.

6. Install warning boards, barricades and lighting at the site until it is declared safe.

7. Initiate long-term hill stabilisation measures to prevent future occurrences.

He urged that the situation be treated as a ‘top priority, as any further delay may lead to severe damage or loss of life.’

Possible link to illegal encroachments

Residents suspect that ongoing illegal construction and land grabbing on government-owned hill slopes could have destabilised the terrain. The letter called for a detailed investigation and strict enforcement of land protection measures.

“The slope has been disturbed because of unauthorised work. If this continues, more such incidents may occur,” said Vijay Kumar, emphasising the need for accountability and preventive action.

Authorities yet to respond

As of Thursday evening, no official response had been received from the GHMC, HYDRAA, or the District Collector’s office. Locals have urged immediate site inspection by disaster response teams and geotechnical experts.

The incident site, located near the GHMC garbage auto parking area and HYDRA protection board in Mallikarjuna Nagar, remains a high-risk zone.

Community calls for preventive infrastructure

Residents of Mallikarjuna Nagar have called for the installation of retaining walls, drainage channels, and vegetation cover to stabilise the hillside. The Welfare Association plans to follow up with the concerned departments if no action is initiated within the next few days.