The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : Officials directed to improve infrastructure

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Thursday, May 31, 2007
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

Officials directed to improve infrastructure

Special Correspondent

Resources have to be mobilised through better collection of taxes, says YSR

HYDERABAD: Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy on Wednesday directed civic officials to improve infrastructure and civic amenities - like roads, water, sewerage and sanitation - without raising any tax during the next two years in Greater Hyderabad.

He told officials of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) and the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) that resources have to be mobilised through better collection of taxes and that the Government will permit borrowing if necessary.

GHMC officials led by Commissioner C.V.S.K. Sarma presented a perspective plan costing Rs. 2,000 crore to develop civic facilities in the next one year.

Zones

Dr. Reddy gave the green signal for GHMC structure of five zones, 18 circles and 150 wards (yet to be delimited). The HMWSSB and Central Power Distribution Company Limited (CPDCL) have more or less conformed to these circles to form uniform administrative circles for better coordination among departments and public convenience.

Five IAS officers are to be heading each GHMC zone and are likely to be in place in the next few days.

To begin with, existing vacancies in all wings, coming to about 500 are to be filled up to keep the system moving.

Powers

GHMC Commissioner has powers to sanction works up to Rs. 3 crore, zonal commissioners up to Rs. 25 lakh, deputy commissioners (ex-municipal commissioners) up to Rs. 5 lakh.

GHMC standing committee can sanction works worth Rs. 10 crore, general body Rs. 25 crore and anything above has to have the Government's sanction.

Ground plus two buildings

Deputy Commissioners can permit ground plus two buildings, ZCs can permit plans up to five floors and the Commissioner has the ultimate power on multi-storied buildings.

However, no decision was taken whether HUDA continues to hold power to give permits for high rises outside erstwhile MCH.

Reiterating the philosophy behind GHMC's formation, the Chief Minister said it is for better coordination among Government departments, uniform development and qualitative civic services to the citizens.

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