Hyderabad plans CURE Act to replace MCH law
HYDERABAD: Urban governance in Hyderabad is set for a policy overhaul as the state government begins work on a new Core Urban Region (CURE) Act, replacing the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad Act, 1955, which has been in force for over 71 years.
Chief Minister has directed officials to draft the legislation with caution so that it addresses gaps in the existing framework and provides long-term benefits for future generations.
The proposed law will guide governance across the three city corporations formed after the recent reorganisation of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).
Evolution of city governance since Hyderabad’s merger
Hyderabad State under the Nizam merged with the Government of India in 1948. Until then, Hyderabad and Secunderabad had separate municipal bodies operating under local regulations.
In 1955, the two civic bodies were merged and the Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad Act was introduced to streamline administration.
With the merger of 12 surrounding municipalities, the law later evolved into the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation Act in 2007.
The Act defines the powers of the commissioner, municipal departments and their heads, the governing council, the mayor and standing committees.
CURE Act to integrate agencies in city governance
Following the recent reorganisation, three corporations — GHMC, CMC and MMC — currently function under the old GHMC law.
The new CURE framework is expected to bring the city within a unified planning structure up to the Outer Ring Road (ORR). The region, covering 2,053 sq km, will be designated as the Core Urban Region for planned development.
The law will also guide coordination between civic corporations and agencies such as the Water Board, Telangana Pollution Control Board, and HYDRAA.
Focus on environmental regulation and land protection
Officials said stricter bans on plastic use will soon be enforced across the three corporations.
Commissioners of the corporations, governing councils, the Water Board and the Pollution Control Board will work jointly under the new framework.
The law will also integrate HYDRAA, which is currently active in protecting lakes and government land, into the CURE structure to strengthen enforcement.
