Telangana MLAs highlighted the pressing need to upgrade Hyderabad’s public transportation infrastructure to match the city’s rapid urbanisation. The discussion, which centred on “Activities for Sustainable Urban Development in Hyderabad Metro City,” concluded with a consensus on the urgency of infrastructure improvements to support the city’s growth.
The dialogue featured insights from various political leaders, including defected officials from the Bharat Rashtra Samithi (BRS) now with the Congress party. They emphasised the necessity of extending the Multi-Modal Transport System (MMTS) services to surrounding towns and cities to alleviate the burden on Hyderabad’s congested road network. Akbaruddin Owaisi of the All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul-Muslimeen (AIMIM) advocated for a comprehensive approach to urban development. His recommendations included advanced urban planning, improved public transportation, increased green spaces, enhanced waste management, better rainwater harvesting practices, and stricter pollution control measures.
The discussion also revealed the financial constraints facing the city. Officials indicated that approximately Rs 5,000 crore would be required to develop a stormwater drainage system capable of handling the city’s growing population and infrastructure demands. Additionally, there were calls to cancel the ongoing integrated property survey, which has caused considerable public concern amidst a backlog of regularisation applications. Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) representatives stressed the need for a renewed focus on improving public transportation, arguing that road expansions are no longer feasible. They also highlighted civic issues such as the alarming stray dog problem, which has already resulted in 15 fatalities this year, according to a report in The Hindu.
Further complicating Hyderabad’s urban management are high plastic waste generation rates, the disappearance of approximately 3,000 water bodies, and persistent inundation problems even with moderate rainfall. These factors underscore the urgency of a holistic approach to urban planning and infrastructure development. The session underscored a collective call for immediate action to address these challenges, reflecting a broader recognition of the need for sustainable urban solutions in Hyderabad.
