GHMC merger: Badangpet residents hope for improved infrastructure

The GHMC’s merger of Badangpet, the largest among proposed urban local bodies by area, has raised hopes of improved civic amenities and high-rise development, while also triggering concerns among residents over possible increases in property taxes and water charges.

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s merger of the Badangpet civic body, said to be the largest among the proposed 27 urban local bodies in terms of geographical area, has raised aspirations of improved amenities among the locals.

The integration is expected to streamline permissions and regulations, potentially paving the way for more high-rise developments in the area. “Residents and developers have long awaited for uniformity in building norms and faster approvals. The merger is also expected to improve civic amenities and infrastructure, and encourage investment in high-rise projects,” a few property owners said.

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According to Badangpet municipal authorities, the civic body covered 74.52 sq km. Until the merger, the Badangpet civic authorities granted building permissions only up to ground plus two floors for both residential and commercial categories across its jurisdiction, which comprised eight municipalities: Badangpet, Almasguda, Nadergul, Kurmalguda, Gurram Guda, Balapur (part), Venkatapur and Mamidipally.

Balapur municipality, renowned nationwide for its annual laddu auction during Ganesh festivities, faced unique challenges owing to its proximity to Defence installations as high rise structure are prohibited within 50 meters radius of the Defence installations. “We hope relaxations in building heights after Badangpet merges into the GHMC,” a few property owners of Balapur opined.

Approximately 200 colonies across the eight civic bodies lack adequate road networks, with over 90 per cent of colonies having no formal roads. Residents demand road widening and the strengthening of water supply and sewerage systems.

However, for many residents here, a worrying outcome of the merger is the potential hike in property taxes and water bills.

Badangpet Burju symbol may disappear after merger

The iconic Badangpet Burju symbol may disappear from the Badangpet Municipal Corporation name board following merger with the GHMC.

The civic body currently uses two symbols on its name board: the Telangana government’s official emblem, which features a circular seal with the Kakatiya Kala Thoranam and Charminar topped by the Sarnath Lion Capital, and the Badangpet Burju depicting the historic watchtower.

The municipal office stands just half a kilometre from the burju. The Deccan Sultanates built the burju as part of larger fortifications, providing a strategic defensive function for the ancient village and the structure offers a vital vantage point over the surrounding area.

In 2013, the then BRS government proposed fixing the burju symbol on the civic body’s name board, and it has featured in all official correspondence since. The BRS government also transformed the hillock around the burju into a park with walking tracks and made the area accessible to locals.

Soon after receiving the merger orders, Badangpet civic authorities covered the municipal corporation’s name on a flex banner with the GHMC emblem.