The Hindu 08.01.2014
Govt. cancels merger of 36 villages with GHMC
The government on Tuesday issued orders cancelling its earlier notification on merger of 36 surrounding villages into the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) following the A.P. High Court orders.
The Municipal Administration & Urban Development (MA&UD) Department had notified the merger of these villages spread out in the mandals of Rajendranagar, Shamirpet, Shamshabad, Qutbullahpur, Ghatkesar, Keesara, Medchal, Saroornagar and Hayathnagar.
The orders issued today cited the High Court orders which passed interim suspension orders on grounds that rule 12 (2) of A.P. Gram Panchayats (Declaration of villages) Rules, 2007 was not followed while merging gram panchayats into the GHMC.
Vehement opposition
The move to merge 36 gram panchayats was earlier vehemently opposed by the GHMC corporators and the GHMC Council which met in July last year and had unanimously passed a resolution rejecting the proposal.
The corporators observed that the GHMC which so far failed to ensure development of surrounding municipalities that merged few years ago, would not be able to handle the addition of new gram panchayats to its fold now.
During the debate then, MIM floor leader Mohammad Nazeeruddin had pointed out that the gram panchayats were primarily agriculture lands providing fresh vegetables and pulses to the city. “If the merger happens, then roads, layouts and plots will wipe out the agricultural assets which will be a huge loss for all,” he had said.
Corporators also stressed that the GHMC lacked funds and manpower to handle the expansion of its jurisdiction and that the move would not only hamper development in existing areas but result in neglect of new areas.
Reacting to today’s cancellation order, TDP floor leader Singireddy Srinivas Reddy welcomed it.
