Normally, any urban development authority develops necessary infrastructure to facilitate growth of an area and then gives permissions for construction of residential and commercial buildings. However, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority always does it the other way. This Authority first grants permissions for construction of apartments, skyscrapers and even modern luxury villas and then starts developing the infrastructure.
Blame it on laxity of some officials or political pressure from some Ministers, MLAs, MPs and other leaders from the ruling party, the operations at HMDA have become chaotic and thus, making people suffer. Several builders are carrying out large-scale constructions in areas where there is no infrastructure. Besides political pressures, the HMDA officials are forced to permit these projects considering the direct connections enjoyed by many builders with the top functionaries in the government.
Areas like Tellapur, Kollur, Velimela, PatiGhanpur, Osman Nagar and Mokila near West Hyderabad, are not fully developed. There is no proper drainage system and drinking water supply in several areas outside the Outer Ring Road. Similar problems prevail in Bandlaguda, Kismatpur, Narsingi and Manchirevula. Until yesterday, the road from Bandlaguda to Kismatpur was very bad and it is better not to mention about the condition of the road that connects Kismatpur with the service road.
Although the roads in the vicinity of the Outer Ring Road and the service road adjacent to it are better, the connecting and internal roads are in worst condition that one cannot even imagine. However, many construction companies in the city, regardless of location and infrastructure, are not hesitating to build multi-storey buildings and skyscrapers in such areas.
Is there any solution?
It is high time that the municipal officials wake up from deep slumber and put an end to sanction of permissions to every project, without looking into the availability of necessary infrastructure. Municipal Administration Minister KT Rama Rao too should initiate stringent action in this regard, rather than allowing such unplanned development with an eye on the vote banks during the GHMC elections. Before granting permission for any project, the officials must ensure development of all the necessary infrastructure in the respective areas.
At least they should be able to develop the infrastructure before the project is completed. HMDA has in the past allowed villas and multi-storey buildings in Tellapur, even though there was no proper road from the Aliens Space Station to the Outer Ring Road. At least now, it should focus on changing its functioning. Otherwise, one should not be surprised if Hyderabad’s real estate sector too moves in reverse direction.
