Telangana’s cash-starved ULBs struggle as Congress launches 100-day programme without funds

The initiative aimed at strengthening urban governance, improving sanitation and taking up select development works across ULBs, is scheduled to run until September 10

Hyderabad: Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), already grappling with staff and cash shortages, are struggling to implement the 100-day programme launched by the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) Department on June 2.

The initiative aimed at strengthening urban governance, improving sanitation and taking up select development works across ULBs, is scheduled to run until September 10. However, the lack of financial backing from the State government is proving to be a major hurdle in its execution.

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In comparison, during the earlier Pattana Pragathi programme, the State government used to release Rs 116 crore every month—Rs 61 crore for the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and Rs 55 crore for the remaining 141 ULBs across Telangana. These funds were utilised for sanitation, environmental improvement, development and beautification works.

This year, although the MAUD launched the 100-day programme, the Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA) issued circulars only to ULBs outside GHMC, outlining the works to be undertaken. These include desiltation of stormwater drains, debris removal to prevent waterlogging, household-level waste segregation and composting, and the development and inauguration of at least one junction and one park.

While a few larger municipalities and municipal corporations have initiated the works, many others, especially those facing acute staff and fund shortages, are unable to do so. Except for sanitation, spraying of disinfectants and mosquito control measures, several key activities such as desiltation of nalas are being delayed.

“With the onset of the monsoon and limited resources, our focus is primarily on sanitation and smaller works,” said a senior official from the department.

Adding to the difficulties, the term of 120 municipal councils and several municipal corporations expired in January this year. With no elected councillors or corporators in many ULBs since then, the lack of public representatives is also affecting coordination and implementation of works in wards and divisions.