IT & Industries Minister Kalvakuntla Tarakarama Rao today declared that Greater Hyderabad will be developed into a model city by implementing a perfect action plan by 2018.
Speaking during a short discussion on GHMC and Hyderabad Development in the Assembly on Tuesday, KTR said the State government was keen on developing Hyderabad by involving all the parties concerned. Slamming the Opposition parties for its baseless criticism that the State government and the GHMC have failed to develop Hyderabad into a global destination as it lacks basic facilities, potholed roads, inordinate delay in Metro Rail works, housing scheme, drinking water problem in some pockets, garbage and pollution, KTR said since one third State population was in Hyderabad, the government was cautious to implement a plan of action to address the issues. Asserting that GHMC was zooming towards monumental development, KTR pointed out that Bhagyanagar (Hyderabad) has been transformed into an hub of Information Technology, brought about revolutionary changes in the management of sanitation, gave top priority for Swatch Hyderabad. He also said steps were being taken to ensure daily water supply to the citizens every day by end of this year. He also declared that by 2018 all the city outskirts would get safe drinking water.
Pointing out that 2,000 auto tippers were pressed into service in the capital city for collection of garbage for which 48,000 garbage bins were distributed to the citizens, KTR said illegal constructions on the nalas were being demolished and a bridge across the Durgam Cheruvu will be taken up at an estimated cost of Rs 180 crore. He also said plastic mixture was being used for laying BT roads for quality construction and five radial roads were being laid at a cost of Rs 2,500 crore, out of which three roads were completed and two other radial roads will be laid at an additional cost of Rs 1000 crore.
The IT Minister said water purification plants were being set up all along Musi River to curb pollution. Besides, Rs 54 crore was earmarked for diverting Kukatpally nala water. He also said the government allocated Rs 625 crore for creating loan facility to self-help groups in Hyderabad.
The minister said as the Government was getting 45 per cent of GDP from Hyderabad alone they are ready to take suggestions from the Opposition parties to develop Hyderabad into a global city. Hyderabad which is surrounded by 11 new districts is the driving force for Telangana financial sector. He pointed out that the TRS had won 99 seats in the GHMC elections for doing some significant works and addressing key problems like power supply, drinking water, drainage and sewage problems besides clearing garbage in a scientific manner.
Wanting to know whether the Opposition members forgot about dharnas and agitations at Indira Park for water, power and other basic amenities, KTR said cities will not become global cities overnight. He said now Telangana State is No. 1 in the country in Ease of Doing Business with its best industrial policy. He also said various developmental programs have been taken up, including removal of illegal structures on nalas, regularization process, cleansing of Hussain Sagar, Musi development, control of law & order and so on. He said the roads digging works were being permitted only after confirming tenders for road restoration contract as part of reforms. The government successfully eradicated cheap liquor, playing cards and taking alternative steps. As there are 20,000 commercial taps, the HMDA was ready to appoint more staff. (NSS)