The Hindu : Andhra Pradesh / Hyderabad News : HMDA Bill to be introduced in current session

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Wednesday, Mar 19, 2008
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Andhra Pradesh

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

HMDA Bill to be introduced in current session

Special Correspondent

HMDA expected to come into existence within two months
Apex body to supervise metropolitan region of 6,856 sq.km

HYDERABAD: With the cabinet approving the decision to constitute Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority, the HMDA Bill, 2008 is likely to be introduced in the current Assembly Session. And if the gubernatorial assent is given without any delays, the HMDA is expected to come into existence in a month or two.

A lot of exercise had already gone into drafting the bill aimed at creating an apex body for policy making, planning, coordinating, supervising, promoting and securing the planned and integrated development of the metropolitan region covering 6,856 sq.km.

The authority headed by Chief Minister as Chairman and Municipal Administration Minister as Vice-Chairman will be a powerful body akin to mini-Government with the sole objective of ensuring regulated and planned development and economic growth in the area under its jurisdiction, keeping in view the fast paced development of the capital region.

The executive committee of HMDA vested with administration powers is headed by Metropolitan Commissioner and full time members heading different wings.

Service agency

Unlike HUDA, which is like any urban development authority, HMDA coordinates, monitors and supervises any development or infrastructure project executed in the metropolitan region by any service agency. It is vested with power to give directions to other authorities, departments with regard to any development project or scheme, right of way for infrastructure facilities, development of amenities and facilities.

As the heads of various departments, service agencies are the members of the HMDA executive committee, any decision taken by the HMDA on any project in metropolitan region would ensure coordination from all departments, agencies concerned.

Importantly HMDA will undertake preparation of metropolitan development and investment plan and prioritise the implementation of the said plan, create and manage metropolitan region land bank and take up minimum target of land acquisition every year and accord approval to local bodies and public agencies for taking up land acquisitions.

Transportation and traffic management cells would be set up for better coordination and promote inter-sectoral transportation. Staff from respective departments would be deputed to these cells. The Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority will also be part of HMDA. HMDA would be provided with seed capital of Rs.200 cr, revolving fund of Rs.100 crores and contributions by UDAs. It would also maintain and manage Hyderabad Metropolitan Regional Development Fund and allocate resources to local bodies for undertaking development of amenities.

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