By: S. Bachan Jeet Singh
The once beautiful Hyderabad city got degenerated over the last 40 years due to utter neglect by successive rulers of Andhra Pradesh, opined Bonthu Rammohan, the first Mayor of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) after formation of the new state.
“Though the population of Hyderabad increased by leaps and bounds and the city grew in size, it failed to develop as the Andhra rulers did not show any interest to develop the city”, Bonthu Rammohan said.
“One can easily find overflowing drainage in every nook and cranny of the twin cities as no new drainage lines were laid by the AP leaders in the last 40 years, the drainage lines laid during the rule of Nizams continue to hold good even today, the condition is very pathetic,” he added.
Pointing out that the city is facing acute drinking water shortage, the mayor said that several localities in the city receive water only once in a week or 10 days.
Lack of water reservoirs and and apathy in launching drinking water projects by successive governments in united Andhra Pradesh has led to the present situation, the mayor observed.
No new roads were laid nor elevated expressways or flyovers constructed to ensure hassle-free traffic movement. The condition of roads is pathetic and they need a complete overhaul.
Realising these problems, Chief Minister K Chandrasekar Rao has prepared a road map for development of the city on par with international cities, said Rammohan.
Chief Minister KCR has already announced a ambitious road map for development of the city that include elevated expressways, multi level flyovers, grade separators and sky scrapers around Hussainsagar. Two big water reservoirs will be developed on the outskirts of the city to meet the drinking water needs, while metro rail will be extended from the present 72 kms to 200 kms.
“Now that Chief Minister has given me an opportunity to serve the city, I will make all efforts and strive hard to develop the city and ensure basic amenities to the residents,” Rammohan added.
As GHMC mayor, his priority will be to provide better roads, safe drinking water and develop a drainage network. Promising that he will keep the people’s faith in TRS intact, Rammohan said that he would work according to the directions from party president and Chief Minister K Chandrasekhar Rao. We will also give priority to the development of IT sector, he added.
My efforts will be to make the city slum free and to provide two bedroom flats to the weaker sections of the society. The GHMC will play a vital role in construction of houses for the poor families. Sanitation will be given top priority, he assured.
Several multi national companies and IT firms are keen to establish their offices and facilities in the city because of the conducive atmosphere, claimed Rammohan. We will take all steps to provide basic amenities to these industries as it will provide employment to thousands of educated youth, the Mayor added.
The new mayor also assured to make GHMC corruption free and give a patient ear to the grievances of the people.
Source: The New Indian Express