Telangana Scrutinises Buildings Without Occupancy Certificates: Power Connections Under Official Review

The Telangana government has launched a statewide verification exercise to identify buildings that have obtained permanent electricity connections without securing a valid Occupancy Certificate (OC). Power distribution companies (DISCOMs), in coordination with urban local bodies, are matching records relating to building permissions, occupancy certificates and electricity connections to detect possible violations of building regulations.

The initiative is aimed at strengthening compliance with urban development norms and ensuring that permanent utility connections are provided only to buildings that have fulfilled all statutory requirements.

Over 2.38 Lakh Power Connections Under Review

According to official sources, the initial phase of the exercise covers nearly 2.38 lakh electricity connections within the jurisdiction of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

Authorities suspect that around 1.49 lakh buildings may be receiving electricity despite not having been issued Occupancy Certificates. Officials are currently verifying these figures by cross-checking records maintained by the DISCOMs, GHMC, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) and other Urban Local Bodies (ULBs).

Data Matching to Detect Irregularities

Officials are integrating multiple databases to compare details such as building permission approvals, construction completion dates, Occupancy Certificate issuance, and the dates on which electricity connections were sanctioned.

Buildings showing discrepancies in official records will be shortlisted for detailed field inspections. Property owners may be issued notices and asked to submit explanations wherever inconsistencies are identified.

The coordinated verification exercise is expected to provide authorities with a clearer picture of whether electricity connections were granted in violation of existing regulations.

Stricter Enforcement of Building Rules

The government is also examining cases where permanent electricity connections may have been sanctioned before the completion of mandatory approvals.

Officials, however, have indicated that no final action will be taken solely on the basis of data discrepancies. Every case will be examined individually, and affected consumers are likely to be given an opportunity to present supporting documents or explanations before any enforcement measures are initiated.

According to official sources, the objective of the special scrutiny is to improve transparency, strengthen enforcement of building regulations, and ensure better coordination between municipal authorities, planning agencies and electricity distribution companies. The exercise is expected to enhance regulatory compliance while promoting safer and legally compliant urban development across Telangana.