Hyderabad: The merger of Secunderabad Cantonment’s civilian areas with the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has been met with cautious optimism by residents, who are expressing significant apprehensions over revised modalities impacting their daily lives and property rights.
Initially welcomed for the potential unified governance, residents now voice concerns over a perceived split in authority concerning infrastructure permissions and the allocation of adequate funds. The recent revision by the Ministry of Defence (MoD) on June 28, altering the transfer of proprietary rights, has particularly unsettled residents owning properties on B3 land (old grants land) under MoD ownership. Under the revised terms, GHMC will only possess rights over assets designated for civic amenities and municipal services on these lands. This means residents must still seek MoD approval for construction, modifications, and other property-related activities, limiting GHMC’s jurisdiction to sanitation works alone in these areas.
“This change effectively reinstates a bureaucratic hurdle for residents, who previously could approach state authorities for permissions. Now, they face the prospect of dual oversight, complicating property management and development,” explained an official from the Secunderabad Cantonment Citizen’s Welfare Association. Furthermore, another clause stipulates that land parcels adjoining Army facilities such as service stations and training centres will be assessed on a case-by-case basis. This provision has raised uncertainties among property owners in areas like Balaji Nagar, Yapral, and Bolarum, where agricultural lands are adjacent to military zones. “Residents are concerned about the future status of their lands and the implications for potential transactions, as any sale or modification will require MoD involvement under these new guidelines,” noted Srinivasan, a local resident.
The evolving terms of the merger reflect a complex balancing act between civic governance and military jurisdiction, impacting thousands of residents and property owners in the affected areas. With implications for urban planning, property rights, and administrative efficiency, stakeholders are closely monitoring developments to navigate the merger’s practical implications effectively. As the merger progresses, residents and civic authorities alike are advocating for clarity and equitable solutions to ensure seamless integration and sustainable development across Secunderabad Cantonment and GHMC areas.
