Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), which was recently expanded from 650 square kilometres to 2,053 square kilometres, may soon undergo a major structural change. Indications suggest that the civic body could be divided into three separate municipal corporations after February 2026.
Speculation around the proposed division gained momentum following a media conference addressed by GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan on Wednesday, December 31, 2025. When asked about reports of bifurcation, the Commissioner avoided a direct response and stated that GHMC would continue in its present form only until February 2026. His remarks were seen as a strong hint towards an impending reorganisation.
Although no official announcement has been made so far, unconfirmed reports regarding the division of GHMC into three corporations have been doing the rounds for some time. With its current size making it the largest municipal corporation in the country, the move is believed to be aimed at improving administrative efficiency and governance.
Further clarity is expected from the State government in the coming months, as officials continue to examine proposals related to the restructuring of the civic body.
Hyderabad: The Telangana State government is considering restructuring the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) by splitting it into three separate municipal corporations, each comprising 100 wards. The proposal is expected to be finalised by the end of January, with elections likely to be held in April–May.
According to sources in the Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) department, authorities are evaluating multiple models, including forming either three corporations with 100 wards each or one corporation with 150 wards and two with 75 wards each.
GHMC officials have already submitted geographical data and maps for all 300 wards, whose boundaries are fixed. As per preliminary plans, the proposed civic bodies may be:
Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation – 100 wards
Greater Secunderabad Municipal Corporation – 100 wards
Greater Cyberabad Municipal Corporation – 100 wards
Each municipal corporation would have 20 circles and five zones, with four circles per zone. An IAS officer of secretary rank would be appointed as commissioner for each corporation, and the new setup would result in three mayors.
GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan stated that the move aligns with the recent formation of new police commissionerates and may be announced simultaneously, based on the existing 300 GHMC wards.
A final notification is expected by January-end, paving the way for civic elections in April–May.
Hyderabad: The Hyderabad Disaster Response and Asset Protection Agency (HYDRAA) has stepped up enforcement of fire safety norms across the city, warning of strict action against establishments violating regulations.
HYDRAA Commissioner A.V. Ranganath has ordered intensified inspections across commercial zones following recent fire incidents. He directed officials to ensure strict compliance with fire safety regulations in both commercial establishments and residential areas.
A coordination meeting was held on Wednesday with officials from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the Fire Services Department, and the Electricity Department to streamline enforcement measures.
Inspection teams have been instructed to conduct checks at business complexes, furniture showrooms, textile shops, and other commercial premises. Establishments found violating mandatory fire safety norms will be sealed, the commissioner said.
Power Disconnection for Non-Compliance
Ranganath also ordered the immediate disconnection of electricity supply to non-compliant establishments. Officials were directed to paste notices declaring such premises as lacking mandatory fire safety measures. Inspections will be conducted across all parts of the city without exception.
Public Urged to Report Fire Hazards
The commissioner appealed to citizens to report potential fire hazards to the HYDRAA control room at 9000113667. Residents were asked to share the exact location along with photographs or videos of unsafe conditions. He assured that the identity of informants would be kept confidential.
HYDRAA emphasized that public cooperation is crucial to preventing fire accidents and ensuring public safety across Hyderabad.
In a sharp rebuke on Tuesday, the Telangana High Court questioned the actions of HYDRAA after it carried out pre-dawn demolitions inside the Fertilisers Corporation of India (FCI) Housing Society in Gachibowli. The court raised serious doubts about the urgency, legality, and jurisdiction of the operation—especially since it appeared to go against earlier judicial directions.
Why Did HYDRAA Enter a Private Colony?
Justice B. Vijaysen Reddy grilled the agency on why it entered the private housing society at all, noting that the disputed land neither fell under a lake’s full tank level nor belonged to the government. The demolished structures belonged to Sandhya Conventions and its sister units owned by S. Sridhar Rao, located in Survey Nos. 122, 123, 124, and 127.
Adding to the confusion, both GHMC and HYDRAA had previously issued no-objection certificates for these buildings.
Internal Roads Issue: Who Has the Authority?
When the state argued that the constructions had encroached on internal colony roads, the judge pushed back—asking whether HYDRAA or the survey department had the authority to determine and mark internal layouts within private colonies.
He also directly asked senior counsel L. Ravi Chander whether HYDRAA had any jurisdiction in such matters to begin with.
Contempt Petitions Add Fuel to the Fire
The hearing stemmed from contempt petitions filed by Sandhya Conventions Group, which alleged that HYDRAA ignored the court’s earlier directions to issue notice and follow due procedure before taking any action.
HYDRAA’s senior advocates, Prasad and Mayur Reddy, fired back, accusing the builders of “defenceless, wanton and brazen” violation of court orders.
Court Questions HYDRAA’s ‘Overzealousness’
Justice Reddy reminded HYDRAA commissioner Ranganath that the court had explicitly warned him just last Friday about avoiding further contempt. “Is it overzealousness against Sandhya Conventions? Was it so difficult to wait for court orders?” he asked, visibly displeased.
The judge also pointed out that HYDRAA had still not filed a counter explaining the statutory powers under which it operated—an omission he said could raise “serious issues.”
State’s Silence Raises Eyebrows
Additional Advocate-General Imran Khan informed the court that he had received no instructions from HYDRAA regarding the pre-sunrise demolition. Petitioners criticized this as unacceptable, given that more than 30 hours had passed since the incident.
The AAG assured the court that all details—right or wrong—would be placed on record.
Court Orders 15-Day No-Entry Zone
To cool tensions on the ground, Justice Reddy directed all parties to stay away from the disputed site for 15 days. He also instructed plot owners and officials to file sale agreements, LRS documents, building permissions, and other records.
HYDRAA has been ordered to submit a detailed explanation for the demolitions by Thursday. Until then, the court has ordered that status quo be maintained.
Hyderabad: Voters in the Jubilee Hills Assembly constituency heading to the polls on November 11 will be able to safely deposit their mobile phones before entering polling stations. The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Election Wing is setting up secure mobile phone deposit centres outside all polling stations, in line with Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines.
The facility aims to assist voters, particularly senior citizens and women, ensuring convenience and security on polling day.
A senior GHMC official deputed for the bypoll said that voters must switch off their mobile phones before entering the polling station and hand them over to volunteers stationed at the mobile phone deposit counters.
Voters will receive a token in exchange for their phone, which they can use to reclaim it after casting their vote and exiting the polling station.
The GHMC has assured that adequate staff and security measures will be in place to manage the process smoothly and prevent any inconvenience to the public.
The initiative is part of the civic body’s broader efforts to ensure a transparent, orderly, and voter-friendly polling experience in Jubilee Hills during the by-election.
Hyderabad: In a significant step towards ensuring women’s safety, the Telangana Police Women Safety Wing has launched a Safe Mobility Initiative in collaboration with multiple transport agencies to curb harassment in public and private transport across Hyderabad, Cyberabad, and Rachakonda.
The initiative is being carried out in partnership with the Telangana State Road Transport Corporation (TGSRTC), Hyderabad Metro Rail, Transport Department, and Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC). It covers buses, metro trains, autos, and private transport vehicles.
How Women Can Report Harassment
The new drive makes it easier for women to seek immediate help in case of harassment.
Inform bus conductors or auto drivers – they will act as first responders.
Use the Metro alert system to report incidents.
Call Dial 100 or 112 directly for immediate assistance.
Conductors and drivers have been trained to alert emergency services right away, triggering a quick response by police patrol teams and She Teams.
Strong Coordination Between Agencies
Each participating organisation will appoint a nodal officer to coordinate with the Women Safety Wing. The wing will monitor every complaint, investigation, and outcome to ensure accountability.
TGSRTC conductors will undergo special training to handle complaints and assist women in distress. Police patrolling units will respond promptly, and offenders will be handed over to She Teams for further action.
Officials noted that harassment in crowded public spaces often goes unreported because offenders are strangers and victims feel that lodging complaints will not bring results. This initiative seeks to break that pattern by enabling faster reporting, quicker police intervention, and stricter action against offenders.
The goal is to not only protect women but also shift public attitudes and discourage harassment that has often been normalised in public spaces.
Hyderabad, September 27, 2025: Heavy rainfall in Hyderabad led to the opening of the Himayat Sagar reservoir gates on Friday night, causing the Musi River to overflow near Chaderghat Bridge. As a precautionary measure, the road near the bridge was closed, resulting in severe traffic congestion. Over 1,000 residents were evacuated from low-lying areas to ensure their safety
The overflowing river also caused flooding in nearby houses and low-lying areas along the Musi. Parts of Mithila Nagar Colony in Meerpet Municipal Corporation, Rangareddy District, experienced significant waterlogging on Friday
Telangana Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy instructed officials to remain on high alert, monitor flood-prone areas, and relocate residents as necessary. Emergency teams were deployed to assist in rescue operations, and relief camps were set up for displaced families
The India Meteorological Department (IMD) issued an orange alert for Saturday, forecasting continued heavy rainfall across Hyderabad and other districts in Telangana, along with thunderstorms, lightning, and gusty winds reaching 40–50 km/h. Residents in low-lying areas are advised to remain indoors and prepare for further flooding
Authorities have opened the Himayatsagar and Osmansagar reservoirs to relieve water pressure, warning those near the Musi River banks. The situation remains critical, and residents are urged to stay informed and follow safety instructions from local authorities.
