Hyderabad’s civic expansion plans have run into public concern as residents continue to wait for detailed ward maps, even as the deadline to submit objections on the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation’s (GHMC) proposed jurisdictional changes draws close. With barely five days remaining, many communities say they are unable to offer meaningful feedback without access to clear geographical boundaries.
The state government recently approved the merger of 27 Urban Local Bodies into the GHMC, doubling the number of administrative wards from 150 to 300. While the list of newly constituted wards has been published, the corresponding maps crucial for residents to understand how neighbourhoods have been reorganised remain unavailable on the GHMC portal. For a city preparing for rapid population growth and climate-sensitive planning, this gap has triggered questions about transparency and inclusiveness in urban governance. Residents’ associations and civic groups say the absence of maps is preventing ground-level scrutiny of the proposed limits. “Communities want to verify whether their streets, schools, markets or open spaces fall within the new boundaries, but without maps, no one can assess the implications,” said an official from a city-based civic network. Experts argue that public participation becomes symbolic when access to such basic planning tools is restricted.
A senior urban planner noted that cities aspiring for sustainable and equitable development must prioritise clarity in spatial governance. “Boundary maps are not mere administrative documents. They influence access to services, representation, and future development projects. When citizens are kept out of the visual planning process, it reduces the scope for fair and informed decision-making,” the planner said. The GHMC Commissioner has responded to the rising frustration by assuring that all 300 maps will be uploaded “soon” and displayed both online and at designated civic offices. The assurance followed a meeting with a political delegation, which emphasised that a consultative process cannot function without proper documentation. Officials maintain that technical integration and final verification are underway.
However, urban policy analysts say the delay highlights a recurring issue in Indian city governance public consultations often remain procedural rather than participatory. As Hyderabad positions itself as a future-ready, net-zero, globally competitive city, civic transparency and citizen inclusion will become defining factors in shaping equitable growth. For now, residents across the newly merged regions are hoping the maps are released before the deadline, giving them adequate time to review and respond. A timely upload, experts say, would not only restore confidence in the process but also reinforce the principle that urban transformation must be built on open, accessible and citizen-centred planning.
