In a landmark decision aimed at transforming urban administration, Hyderabad is set for a major governance overhaul. Governor Jishnu Dev Varma on Monday signed a crucial ordinance to integrate 27 municipalities into the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). This strategic consolidation is designed to enhance administrative efficiency and significantly improve the delivery of civic services across the rapidly growing metropolitan region.
The Path to Consolidation: From Cabinet Decision to Gazette Notification
The merger process was set into motion following a state cabinet decision on November 25, which gave its formal approval. The proposal was further endorsed during the GHMC general body meeting held on the same day. The ordinance signed by the governor marks the next critical step.
Highly placed sources indicate that once the ordinance file moves from the governor's office to the state law department, the government is expected to publish the comprehensive details in the official gazette promptly. This publication will serve as the formal announcement and blueprint for the transition.
Ensuring a Smooth and Transparent Transition
A key component of this large-scale merger involves a meticulous assessment and documentation process. Authorities will conduct a thorough evaluation to identify all assets belonging to the 27 municipalities—which include seven municipal corporations and twenty municipalities.
These assets will be formally documented for a systematic handover and takeover process. Officials state that this methodical approach is intended to ensure a transparent and orderly transition, minimizing disruption and maintaining accountability. The specifics of this asset transfer protocol will also be outlined in the upcoming gazette notification.
Expected Benefits for Hyderabad's Residents
The consolidation under the single umbrella of the GHMC is projected to yield substantial long-term benefits for the city's residents. According to officials, the primary goals of this move are threefold:
- Foster better infrastructure development across a unified planning area.
- Streamline municipal services like water supply, waste management, and road maintenance, eliminating overlapping jurisdictions.
- Create a more cohesive and responsive urban governance structure, making administration more effective and citizen-friendly.
This merger is seen as a direct response to the challenges posed by Hyderabad's explosive expansion, aiming to provide a coordinated framework for managing the metropolis's present needs and future growth.
