Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has directed officials to formulate a comprehensive plan to transform Greater Hyderabad into a clean city, following the example of Indore. In a review meeting on infrastructure development, he expressed dissatisfaction over the poor maintenance of 811 km of road stretches under the Comprehensive Road Maintenance Programme (CRMP), launched five years ago. With contracts expiring in December, he warned negligent agencies will face strict action.
Reddy instructed GHMC officials to visit Indore, study their sanitation and waste management processes, and involve local agencies and voluntary groups to implement similar models. He emphasized leveraging modern technology such as GIS and QR codes for efficient garbage collection.
The Chief Minister also called for swift progress on the Musi River Development Project and urged officials to rehabilitate residents in affected areas. Additionally, he directed the acquisition of land for infrastructure improvements near the modernized Cherlapally Railway Station, ensuring smooth access to the upgraded facility.
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has reiterated his commitment to transforming Greater Hyderabad into one of the cleanest and most well-managed cities in India, akin to Indore, which has become a benchmark for urban cleanliness. During a high-level review meeting with officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and other key stakeholders, the Chief Minister outlined a multi-faceted strategy aimed at improving road infrastructure, sanitation, and overall urban development. This comprehensive plan is intended to propel Hyderabad into a model urban environment that balances development with sustainability.
Focus on Road Maintenance and CRMP Review
A significant portion of the meeting was dedicated to the state of roads in the city, particularly under the Comprehensive Road Maintenance Programme (CRMP), which covers a total of 811 kilometers of road stretches. These stretches were taken up for improvement five years ago, but the Chief Minister expressed his dissatisfaction with the maintenance work carried out so far. Many of the roads have suffered from neglect, leading to increased public inconvenience and a decline in road safety. The Chief Minister noted that this was unacceptable, especially as the CRMP contracts are set to expire in December.
“Negligence in road maintenance will not be tolerated,” Reddy said firmly. He directed the GHMC and relevant agencies to immediately attend to the repair and upkeep of these roads. The lack of regular monitoring and inadequate execution were highlighted as key issues, and the Chief Minister instructed the officials to ensure continuous supervision moving forward.
He also made it clear that agencies found to be negligent in their duties would face stringent actions, including the possibility of being blacklisted. The state government, he stressed, will not compromise on the quality of civic infrastructure.
Study Tour to Indore: Learning from Success
One of the key directives issued during the meeting was for GHMC officials and other municipal staff to visit Indore, a city that has consistently been ranked as India’s cleanest in the Swachh Survekshan rankings. Indore has set a high standard for waste management, civic cleanliness, and citizen involvement, and Reddy believes that replicating some of these strategies could significantly benefit Hyderabad.
The Chief Minister specifically instructed officials to study Indore’s methods for garbage collection, segregation, and processing. In particular, he highlighted the importance of involving multiple stakeholders, such as voluntary organizations, NGOs, and private agencies, in waste management efforts. Indore’s success has been largely attributed to the seamless coordination between the municipal body and these voluntary groups, and Hyderabad should strive to establish a similar synergy.
The focus should not be limited to sanitation alone, Reddy said. He encouraged the officials to explore Indore’s use of technology in urban management, particularly in areas like Geographic Information System (GIS) mapping and real-time monitoring of waste collection. Leveraging modern technology, such as GIS and QR scanning, could streamline the operations of garbage collection, he pointed out. The integration of such systems will not only improve efficiency but also enable greater transparency and accountability in municipal services.
Comprehensive Garbage Collection System
To further bolster the cleanliness drive in Hyderabad, the Chief Minister instructed GHMC to focus on a more robust garbage collection mechanism. He stressed the importance of garbage collection along main roads and streets, which often serve as the most visible indicator of a city’s cleanliness. Regular supervision should be implemented to ensure the timely collection of waste from residential areas, commercial zones, and public spaces.
The Chief Minister also encouraged the GHMC to adopt a decentralized approach to waste management, suggesting that zonal-level waste processing units could be established to manage the waste more efficiently. By decentralizing waste processing, the city could reduce the burden on its landfills and make strides toward becoming a zero-waste city. The GHMC was also asked to explore the possibility of involving private players in waste management, who could be incentivized to innovate and implement sustainable solutions.
In addition to this, Reddy emphasized the need to create greater public awareness about waste segregation at the source. Effective public engagement campaigns should be launched to encourage residents to separate dry and wet waste at home, making it easier for the city to process and recycle the waste. Such segregation would not only reduce the strain on landfills but also create opportunities for composting and recycling, which could generate additional revenue for the city.
Fund Mobilization and Financial Planning
Recognizing that the city’s ongoing development projects need a consistent flow of funds, the Chief Minister asked the GHMC and related departments to prepare a clear plan for fund mobilization. He stressed that the city’s finances need to be prudently managed to ensure that all ongoing infrastructure projects, including road repairs and sanitation initiatives, continue without any delays.
Reddy acknowledged that there might be a temporary need to adjust funds to clear dues for various works. However, he was clear that this should not affect the long-term financial planning of the city. He advised that any temporary fund reallocations should be followed by a structured approach to generate additional revenue streams, including possible public-private partnerships (PPP) and state funding.
Musi River Development Project: A Key Focus Area
The Musi River, a vital natural resource running through the heart of Hyderabad, has long been plagued by pollution and unplanned development along its banks. In light of this, the Chief Minister urged officials to speed up the Musi River Development Project, which aims to rejuvenate the river and transform it into a cleaner, more sustainable water body.
He instructed officials to prioritize the rehabilitation of residents living in the Musi catchment area. These residents should be relocated to safer zones, and the vacated areas should be repurposed for riverbank beautification and ecological restoration. The development of green spaces, parks, and recreational areas along the riverbank is a key aspect of the project, and the Chief Minister stressed the importance of keeping the project on track.
Cherlapally Railway Station Modernization: Road Development and Land Acquisition
As part of the city’s broader infrastructure push, Reddy also reviewed the ongoing modernization efforts at the Cherlapally Railway Station. The station, located on the city’s outskirts, is being upgraded to handle increased passenger traffic and serve as a major transit hub. The Chief Minister emphasized that the success of the modernization project depends on developing the approach roads leading to the station.
He instructed the municipal authorities to acquire land from the Forest and Industries Departments, as necessary, to facilitate the development of access roads to the station. This, he said, would ensure smooth connectivity and ease of movement for the public using the station.
A Holistic Vision for Hyderabad
Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy’s directives underscore his holistic vision for Hyderabad’s development. From improving road infrastructure to adopting modern waste management technologies, the government’s approach seeks to enhance the quality of life for residents while positioning Hyderabad as a clean, green, and well-planned city. By drawing inspiration from Indore’s success story and emphasizing stakeholder collaboration, the Chief Minister is steering Hyderabad toward a more sustainable and efficient urban future.
In the coming months, the focus will be on implementation, and the success of these initiatives will hinge on the city administration’s ability to execute the plans effectively. With strict monitoring mechanisms and a clear roadmap, Hyderabad could soon emerge as a shining example of urban transformation in India.
