Hyderabad: The Secunderabad State Commission meeting was held on Tuesday. The MLA Sriganesh Narayanan attracted citizen attention, especially the lack of basic infrastructure in eight wards, including water supply, sewage systems, road maintenance and power connections to utilities.
A key point is the board’s failure to secure power connections to Conwells, a key issue in the ongoing summer. Officials reportedly said the link fell outside their authority, and the response sparked objections during the meeting.
Also concerned about ambiguity surrounding the newly drafted building Bylaws 2024, the bylaws emerged after the Ministry of Defense directive and with input from construction experts and urban planners. These bylaws introduce new zoning regulations, building restrictions and measures to prevent unauthorized developments – including a clause that requires the developer to mortgage 10% of the occupied area until the occupancy is granted.
Participants in the meeting included participants from civil nominees Banuka Narmada Mallikarjun and BJP MP Etala Rajendar noted that residents’ frustration with unauthorized and illegal buildings were growing. Urge the Board to take concrete steps to address such violations, especially given the compositional rules outlined in the new Byelaws.
The service fee is another flash point. Questions were raised regarding the current arrears, calling for clear disclosure and formal board resolutions to simplify collection mechanisms, transparency of management methods and revenue.
The governance structure has also been under scrutiny. There were concerns that nominated members led the board decision, and the public had little representation. Request for immediate elections or consider merging them with GHMC. The issue of voting rights for elected members of Congress and MLA in board resolutions was also raised to ensure better representation of decision-making.
During the meeting, it was also informed that the tender for the construction of public toilets in Sebabanagar had been finalized after previous complaints from local residents. The project is expected to address long-standing health problems in the region.
In addition, 14 acres of excavated land were discussed. While two acres have been used for a dog care center and a cattle penthouse, there are concerns about potential encroachment on the remaining land. Recommendations were made to explore the revenue-generating uses of the land through commercial activities, which could improve the board’s financial capacity to improve public services.
