HYDERABAD: As Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation continues to evolve, civic works done by different departments and their varied responsibilities, which could possibly lead to turf battles is just beginning to unravel.

Poor tax collection

Hyderabad Urban Development Authority's declaration to retain control on the building regulation activity for at least one more year despite the GHMC formation has not gone down well with the latter.

Considering that the property tax collection in all the erstwhile municipalities is poor, the revenue accrued from granting permissions for constructions is said to be quite substantial and could be up to Rs. 200 crores.

It is being pointed out that HUDA giving permissions for all high rise buildings of more than ground plus two, but asking the municipalities to regulate the activity without any financial or infrastructural support had not worked.

GHMC officials fear the same story could be continued if they have to only "regulate" building activity but have no power to give or deny building permissions since all these areas come under it for all administrative and financial functions.

Hence, it is contemplating to write to the Government seeking proper directions so that the building activity is regulated by the new body and also for overall planning purposes. In the meantime, GHMC Commissioner C.V.S.K. Sarma has asked municipalities to ensure there is no disruption and dislocation of civic functions during the transition stage and also sought weekly reports from the commissioners who are now deputy municipal commissioners.

He also hiked their financial powers depending on the municipality's grade.

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