Telangana Government Plans Mega Merger to Form Hyderabad Greater City Corporation
Hyderabad, Telangana – In a landmark move, the Telangana government has announced an ambitious plan to significantly expand the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). The proposed expansion will see the current GHMC, which spans 650 square kilometers, grow to cover an area of 8,000 square kilometers. Following the merger, the entity will be renamed the Hyderabad Greater City Corporation (HGCC).
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy, who also oversees the municipal administration and urban development portfolio, has directed senior officials to draft new legislation for the HGCC, which will replace the existing GHMC Act. The government aims to introduce this legislation in the Assembly during either the monsoon session in July or the winter session.
The expansion plan includes merging seven adjoining municipal corporations—Nizampet, Boduppal, Meerpet, Jillelguda, Bandlaguda Jagir, Badangpet, Peerzadiguda, and Jawaharnagar—into the new civic body. Additionally, 30 municipalities located on the outskirts of the city will also be incorporated into the HGCC.
This merger will create a civic body larger than the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA), which currently has jurisdiction over 7,257 square kilometers. The proposed expansion aims to streamline urban governance and improve infrastructure development across the burgeoning metropolitan region.
Administrative and Legislative Changes
The Chief Minister has instructed the municipal administration to ensure a smooth transition and integration process. Senior officials are currently working on drafting the new HGCC legislation, which will encompass the governance framework, administrative structure, and operational guidelines for the expanded civic body. The proposed law is expected to address various aspects of urban management, including land use, transportation, waste management, and public services, to accommodate the needs of the vastly larger jurisdiction.
Implications for Local Governance
With the tenure of the existing municipalities ending in January 2025 and GHMC elections scheduled for December 2025, the government plans to appoint special officers for these corporations and municipalities after their tenure ends to facilitate the merger. This approach will ensure that the governance and administrative functions continue seamlessly without any disruptions during the transition period. Consequently, elections for the seven municipal corporations and 30 municipalities will not be held along with the local body elections this year.
Strategic Vision for Hyderabad’s Growth
The Telangana government’s decision to expand and consolidate municipal governance is part of a broader strategic vision to position Hyderabad as a global metropolis. By creating the HGCC, the state aims to foster more integrated urban development, enhance the delivery of civic services, and create a robust framework for future growth and development.
Chief Minister Reddy emphasized the importance of this move in addressing the challenges of rapid urbanization, stating, “Hyderabad’s growth trajectory necessitates a comprehensive approach to urban management. The formation of the HGCC will enable us to better manage resources, plan for sustainable development, and improve the quality of life for all residents.”
Public and Political Reactions
The announcement has elicited a range of reactions from various stakeholders. Urban planners and civic experts have largely welcomed the move, highlighting the potential for improved infrastructure and more efficient governance. However, some concerns have been raised regarding the implementation process and the potential for bureaucratic challenges during the transition.
Local political leaders have also voiced their opinions, with some expressing support for the government’s vision, while others call for more detailed consultations with affected communities to ensure that their concerns are adequately addressed.
As the Telangana government moves forward with this ambitious plan, the eyes of the state—and indeed the nation—will be on Hyderabad, observing how this unprecedented expansion unfolds and sets a precedent for urban development in India.
