Hyderabad: Chief Minister A Revanth Reddy has directed officials to transform Hyderabad into an environmentally friendly city, emphasising the need for comprehensive planning to meet the city’s needs for the next 25 years.
This directive came during a review meeting of the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) department held on Tuesday at the Command Control Centre.
Key Directives and Initiatives:
Relocation of Polluting Industries: The Chief Minister ordered the relocation of polluting industries from the core city to areas outside the Outer Ring Road (ORR). This measure aims to prevent Hyderabad from facing severe pollution issues similar to those in Delhi, Mumbai and Chennai.
Infrastructure Modernisation
– Underground Utilities: Special attention will be given to developing underground drainage and underground cabling systems across the city. All departments are tasked with preparing comprehensive Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for these initiatives.
– Water and Sewerage Systems: The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) has been instructed to thoroughly reform the water supply and sewerage systems to ensure improved services for citizens. The board needs to develop a plan to optimally utilise its resources.
Waste Management
– Single-Use Plastic Ban: The Chief Minister called for a ban on single-use plastic.
– Construction Waste: Strict actions will be taken against those found dumping construction and demolition waste indiscriminately within the city.
Heritage Preservation and Tourism
– Quli Qutb Shah Urban Development Authority: QQSUDA will revise and strengthen its guidelines for the preservation of heritage structures within the ORR, with the goal of developing them into tourist destinations.
Metro Rail Acceleration
– Old City Metro: Despite funds already being released, the Chief Minister expressed dissatisfaction with the slow progress of metro work in the Old City and urged officials to accelerate it.
– Phase Approvals: He warned against any delays in obtaining approvals for other metro phases and instructed officials to coordinate with the Union Urban Development Ministry to expedite the projects.
– Elevated Corridor: The construction of the elevated corridor from Paradise Junction to Shamirpet ORR also needs to be fast-tracked.
Musi Riverfront Development
– Project Acceleration: The Chief Minister directed officials to expedite work on the Musi Riverfront project, specifically from Himayat Sagar to Gandipet (Gandhi Sarovar).
– Iconic Landmark: He suggested building an iconic landmark, such as an India Gate, Gateway of India, or Charminar, at the Kothwalguda junction (where the Musi Riverfront meets the ORR) to serve as a symbol of the project.
– Bridge-cum-Barrages: Plans for bridge-cum-barrages over the Musi River should also be developed, ensuring all necessary approvals and regulations are met.
Nehru Zoological Park and Mir Alam Tank
– STP Efficiency: The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of development works at Nehru Zoological Park and Mir Alam Tank, emphasising that the Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs) near Mir Alam Tank must operate at their full capacity.
– Tourist Accommodation: He proposed the construction of a modern hotel near the Zoo Park and Mir Alam Tank, equipped with advanced facilities to accommodate tourists and offer views of the park, the tank, and the city.
