GHMC forms committee to relocate bus shelters to ease traffic in Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has decided to form a committee consisting of members from Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TSRTC), traffic police, and GHMC to finalize the shifting of bus stops in order to reduce traffic congestion in Hyderabad.
A meeting was held on Tuesday at the GHMC head office to discuss the systematic utilization, shifting, and maintenance of RTC bus shelters and bus bays, as well as the transportation issues related to construction and demolition (C&D) waste. The meeting also aimed to facilitate C&D carrying mini tippers and tractors.
The discussion centered around the maintenance of bus shelters, the need to relocate bus shelters from unnecessary areas where some bus stops have already been erected, and the traffic problems associated with certain bus stops at traffic junctions. It was decided that a committee would be formed consisting of members from TSRTC, traffic police, and GHMC to finalize the shifting of bus stops to reduce traffic congestion.
The meeting was attended by P. Viswaprasad, Additional Commissioner of Police (Traffic), Hyderabad; N. Prakash Reddy, Director (EV&DM), GHMC; Subba Rayudu, DCP (Traffic), West and North Zones, Hyderabad; Ashok, DCP (Traffic), South and East Zones; V Venkateshwarlu, Executive Director, TSRTC; and R. Upender Reddy, Additional Commissioner, GHMC (Sanitation).
Additionally, representatives from the DCPs of Rachakonda, Cyberabad, and Hyderabad police commissionerates, along with regional and divisional managers of TSRTC, were also present during the year meeting.
CM Revanth Reddy reorganizes disaster management for Greater Hyderabad
HYDERABAD: Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy has decided to assign critical responsibilities to the Disaster Management Department within Greater Hyderabad. He has directed officials to implement structural changes and redistribute responsibilities accordingly. In a review meeting at the Secretariat on Monday evening, the Chief Minister discussed the reorganization with officials from Municipal Administration, HMDA, and Musi Development.
Expansion of disaster management responsibilities
Recognizing the geographic expansion of Hyderabad, the Chief Minister ordered the Disaster Management Department to extend its jurisdiction to the Outer Ring Road. He suggested including GHMC, 27 surrounding municipalities and corporations, and 33 gram panchayats within its service area. The department will be renamed the Hyderabad Disaster Response and Assets Monitoring Protection (HYDRA). The Chief Minister proposed appointing a DIG-level officer as the director and SP-level officers as additional directors. He also recommended special teams from GHMC, HMDA, the Water Board, city traffic, and other departments to join this new division.
The Chief Minister emphasized the need for the Disaster Management Department to offer continuous services to city residents, not just during floods or emergencies. HYDRA should actively address all issues faced by Hyderabad’s citizens, including preserving the city’s tanks and ponds, protecting government properties from encroachments, and managing hoardings and flex banners. Additionally, HYDRA will oversee water pipelines, electricity supply lines, drainage, flood management, and traffic control.
Focus on heritage and infrastructure projects
Chief Minister Reddy directed the acceleration of the Musi River Development Project, aiming to elevate Hyderabad’s international reputation. He stressed the importance of working towards the government’s goal of transforming this project into a landmark. He also ordered officials to take necessary actions to restore historical buildings and structures within the city. The GHMC presented a PowerPoint on various heritage sites, such as the City Library, Charminar Ayurvedic Hospital, and Nizamia Observatory etc. The Chief Minister encouraged exploring ways to develop these sites for tourism and integrating feasible ones into the Musi River Development Project.
The Chief Minister instructed Chief Secretary Shantikumar to draft a comprehensive reorganization plan, including staffing, duties, and budget allocations for HYDRA. He also emphasized identifying key areas where the Disaster Management Department can enhance its operations.
The meeting included Chief Secretary Shantikumar, Principal Secretary of Municipal Administration and Urban Development Danakishore, GHMC Commissioner Amrapali, GHMC Vigilance Disaster Management Commissioner A.V. Ranganath, and Hyderabad Water Board MD Ashok Reddy.
