HYDERABAD: With Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) elections round the corner, the Telangana Cabinet meeting on Saturday is likely to make a ‘complete overhaul’ of the functioning of civic bodies like GHMC and HMDA. Besides, it will focus on the state Budget for 2016-17.
According to highly-placed sources, the Cabinet is likely to give its nod for the Street Vendors Act and Building Code Rules, and redefine the functioning of the Hyderabad Metro Development Authority (HMDA). These decisions will be aimed at decongesting the streets and fast-tracking the development of Hyderabad.
Though certain rules have been framed for street vendors by dividing Hyderabad into three zones _ amber, red and green _ the rules are hardly implemented. Now, the government has decided to bring in an Act to regulate street vendors in the city.
According to sources, the proposed Street Vendors Act will help ease traffic and regulate roadside vending and hawking. Hawker and no-hawker zones will be identified through the Act.
Stilt For Smaller Buildings Soon
The Cabinet may also decide to allow stilt for smaller buildings in the city. According to sources, civic authorities are not permitting buildings constructed on plots of 200 sq metres and below to put up stilt. Thus, flat owners are forced to park their vehicles on the roads, causing traffic problems.
“Now, these smaller buildings too will be allowed to construct stilt. This will avoid traffic congestion,” an official said.
Meanwhile, more high-rise buildings will be permitted in Hyderabad, by amending the existing rules. With the city experiencing space crunch, some builders are seeking permission to build high-rise residential buildings to accommodate more number of people. “Initially, the civic body may lose some tax but it will provide more residential space. The Cabinet is likely to take a decision on this too,” the sources said.
Redefining The Role Of Hmda
The Cabinet is likely to discuss and redefine the role of HMDA, according to sources.
Though HMDA is a regulatory body, it has almost encroached upon the functioning of GHMC by taking up the construction of radial roads and others.
“Had HMDA limited its role to planning, development and regulation, there would have been no need for the government to call for LRS and BRS applications for regularising the unauthorised constructions,” an official pointed out.
The Cabinet is likely to approve the new Acts and amend the rules with specific reference to the GHMC area on Saturday.