Sanath Nagar residents object to GHMC delimitation
SECUNDERABAD: Citizens of the Sanath Nagar division have raised strong objections to the recent delimitation process notification by the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). They call it disorganized and neglectful of public and political representation.
In an exclusive interview with HyderabadMail, Gangadhar Gupta Tangutoori, Vice President of the Secunderabad District Congress Committee and resident of Czech Colony, Sanath Nagar, outlined grievances, alleging that the process lacked transparency, ignored historical representation, and might create administrative chaos.
Key Objections
Gupta’s main critique is the lack of consultation. “The delimitation process has been initiated without the publication of detailed, GIS-based ward maps, boundary descriptions, and population data. They have not taken into consideration any political representative from any recognised party,” he stated. He added that even the published maps are unclear about population and voter data. Without clear information, residents cannot identify their wards or submit informed objections. This lack of transparency undermines public participation and weakens confidence in the process.
He argued that historical continuity has been broken. For example, he suggested B.K. Guda should have been renamed Balkampet to recognize the historical Balkampet Ammavari temple.
The Congress leader highlighted practical administrative problems from the new boundaries. “In the same colony, on one side of the road, one person will come under one division, another person will come under another division,” he explained. He warned that this fragmentation extends to police stations, mandals, district jurisdictions, and court commissions, causing confusion for citizens and authorities.
He added that the proposed ward boundaries do not respect historical administrative divisions, community cohesion, or long-standing jurisdictional realities. In several areas, single colonies still fall under multiple police stations, commissionerates, mandals, registration offices, and administrative offices, causing confusion and inconvenience. Citizens expected the delimitation exercise to address these long-standing issues, which remain unresolved.
He gave the example of the S.R. Nagar police station area, where parts now fall under different administrative commissions. “One division should be under one police station and one jurisdiction,” Gupta insisted.
Call for review
Gupta asserted that delimitation is not a short-term goal but a long-term administrative framework. He demanded an extensive public consultation process, calling for at least 2-3 months with multiple rounds of open discussions involving all political parties and resident welfare associations.
“Officials also need to visit the ground level and make a decision at a proper level, not on the maps or on the tables. They should listen to the people’s concerns,” he emphasised.
To begin with, he urged the GHMC to swiftly unveil detailed ward maps, boundary descriptions, and population statistics on its website. This way, everyone can engage in the process. Next, he proposed extending the objection period by a solid 30 days, complete with public hearings in each GHMC zone. Then came the idea of forming an independent committee to scrutinize all objections, thoughtfully considering history, demographics, and administrative needs. Lastly, he envisioned gatherings with political parties, civil groups, and resident associations, along with all-party meetings at the constituency level.
