Hyderabad: Telangana’s Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Minister, KT Rama Rao (KTR), presided over the 64th City Convergence Meeting at the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Office on Monday. The meeting addressed several key issues, including the establishment of new waste disposal sites and improving various aspects of the city’s infrastructure.
Highlighting the pressing concern of waste management, Minister KTR emphasized the importance of selecting appropriate garbage dumping sites in Rangareddy, Sangareddy, and Yadadri Bhuvanagiri districts. He stressed that these sites should be chosen meticulously to ensure minimal inconvenience to the public and to cater to Hyderabad’s needs for the next half-century. KTR urged the formulation of practical plans that optimize land usage, even considering abandoned quarries and non-agricultural lands for potential dump yards.
The Minister also directed officials to investigate and take action against private yards engaged in irresponsible dumping of construction and demolition waste. This step aligns with the government’s commitment to promoting sustainable waste management practices.
In a bid to enhance the city’s aesthetic appeal and infrastructure, KTR unveiled an ambitious project to revamp the Musi River and its surroundings. This visionary plan includes the construction of 14 bridges and expressways spanning the river, with water from Kondapochama Sagar to Osman Sagar set to flow into the Musi. The Minister ordered the initiation of tenders for the bridge construction and anticipated laying their foundation stones in the near future.
Addressing urban mobility concerns, KTR proposed the creation of multi-level parking facilities on vacant government and private lands within the GHMC limits. He urged officials to explore initiatives that promote non-motorized transportation options and the development of essential skywalks where necessary.
Furthermore, Minister KTR stressed the importance of maintaining public safety and order. He called for heightened vigilance around pubs, hookah centers, schools, and farmhouses, while also urging the police to take stringent measures against the illicit trade of narcotics, specifically ganja.
To foster improved coordination and decision-making, KTR recommended the organization of convergence meetings at the zonal level, ensuring a more localized approach to addressing urban challenges.
The meeting saw the presence of senior officials from various departments, including the GHMC, Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB), the Police department, and Hyderabad Metro Rail Ltd. (HMRL), all united in their commitment to shaping a more sustainable, safe, and efficient Hyderabad.
