Residents welcome ULB-GHMC merger but worry about higher property tax
HYDERABAD: Residents living outside the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) but within the Outer Ring Road limits have broadly welcomed the government’s decision to merge 27 urban local bodies with the Corporation. Many said the move could improve municipal services and speed up grievance redressal through a unified system.
Jurisdiction issues cited as major reason for support
Several residents pointed out that GHMC’s common helpline and stronger online presence would help resolve civic issues faster.
Geeta, a resident of Prashantinagar in Badangpet Municipal Corporation, said sewage overflow in her area had remained unresolved due to confusion over which agency was responsible.
She said the Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board told her it handled complaints only within GHMC limits, leaving the matter to the local municipality.
“With the merger, such jurisdiction issues will be solved,” she said.
Tax burden a worry for several residents
Not all residents are without concerns. A resident of Vishnupuri Colony in Bairagiguda said the merger could raise property tax again.
“When our gram panchayat became a municipal corporation, the tax increased severalfold. I fear it may go up again,” he said.
But the impact may differ across areas.
Ramana Eshwaragari, president of the Tellapur Neighbourhood Association (TeNA), said property tax in Tellapur is already higher than GHMC slabs.
“For us, the merger may mean lower property tax. But reaching officials physically may become difficult,” he added.
Digital access to officials seen as major advantage
Many residents said GHMC’s stronger digital network through X, mobile apps and online dashboards would improve access to civic officials.
“It is not easy to reach officials of bodies outside GHMC through phone or online. But GHMC officials are available across multiple platforms,” said Sai Teja, a tech professional.
“Whether grievances get resolved or not is another matter, but access to senior officials is definitely easier.”
