Nizampet residents fear higher taxes after GHMC merger

Nizampet residents seek better roads, improved sanitation and action against encroachments even as they fear a steep rise in taxes after the area’s merger with GHMC. Officials say decisions on unapproved layouts and civic surveys will follow the merger

Hyderabad: Residents of Nizampet are hopeful of improved amenities but remain apprehensive about a steep rise in fees and taxes following the State government’s decision to merge it with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), along with 26 other urban local bodies.

For residents, the key concerns include road widening, better sanitation and action against encroachments on water bodies. They believe widening of the road network would reduce traffic congestion and improved sanitation would enhance public health. They also want strict measures to prevent encroachments on lakes and other water bodies.

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At Pragathi Nagar, residents pointed out the immediate need to improve sanitation. They said manhole cleaning continues to be done manually and that debris is lifted depending on the willingness of sanitation workers rather than a streamlined schedule.

Deputy Commissioner of the Nizampet Municipal Corporation, Saber Ali, said several roads in the area have encroachments involving both residential and commercial structures. After the merger of the Nizampet ULB, residents hope the GHMC engineering wing will survey assets and identify encroachments for appropriate action.

According to officials, Nizampet ULB has 25 approved layouts and 51 unapproved layouts. “After the merger, the GHMC will take a final decision on unapproved layouts, either penalising or regularising them,” said an engineering official.

On average, Nizampet generates 110 metric tonnes of garbage daily and follows a two-bin system for waste collection. The road network spans 283 km.

Once a sleepy suburb, Nizampet rose to prominence during the real estate boom two decades ago due to its accessibility from the city. Builders and developers capitalised on the availability of open land, attracting middle-class families looking for housing options.

Following the merger with GHMC, residents fear that property tax, water bills and other charges may increase significantly. For commercial establishments, the GHMC trade licence fee structure will be applied, an official said.

Nizampet ULB at a glance: 

– Nizampet became an urban local body (ULB) in 2019 by merging 3 gram panchayats of Pragati Nagar, Nizampet and Bachupally

-Area: 23.44 km

-Population (as per 2011): 4.88 lakh

-No. of voters: 1.44 lakh

-Municipal wards: 33

-Property tax assessment: 82,837

-Garbage generated: 110 MTs

-Power charges: Rs 1.65 crore per month

-Length of CC Roads: 147 km

-Length of drains: 184 km

-Length of stormwater drains: 13.20 km

-Length of sewerage lines: 141.3 km