GHMC’s footprint grows but civic outcomes lag in 2025

The report on the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) in 2025, highlighting its expanded geographical footprint and improved finances alongside persistent issues like ungrounded projects, garbage-strewn streets, and reactive flood measures, offers a critical lens into the state of urban governance in India. This scenario is not unique to Hyderabad but reflects broader challenges faced by Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) across the nation, making it a vital topic for competitive exam aspirants.

**Background Context and Historical Evolution:**

Urbanization in India has been a rapid and transformative process since independence. Cities like Hyderabad have emerged as economic powerhouses, attracting migration and investment. However, this growth has often outpaced the capacity of urban infrastructure and governance. Historically, urban local self-governance in India traces its roots to Lord Ripon's Resolution of 1882, which aimed at decentralization and local participation. Post-independence, the need for robust urban governance became increasingly evident. The landmark **74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992** was a watershed moment. It granted constitutional status to Municipalities, ushering in a new era for ULBs. This Act mandated the establishment of Municipal Corporations, Councils, and Nagar Panchayats, defining their powers, functions, and financial provisions. It added Part IXA, 'The Municipalities', to the Constitution, comprising Articles 243P to 243ZG. Specifically, **Article 243W** outlines the powers, authority, and responsibilities of Municipalities, entrusting them with functions listed in the **Twelfth Schedule** (which includes urban planning, regulation of land use, public health, sanitation, solid waste management, fire services, and slum improvement). The GHMC, like other major municipal corporations, operates within this constitutional framework.

**What Happened and Key Stakeholders:**

The article points to a dichotomy: GHMC's quantitative growth (expanded geography, improved finances) contrasts sharply with qualitative shortfalls in service delivery. The 'expanded geography' suggests successful merger or inclusion of peripheral areas, potentially increasing the tax base and administrative reach. 'Improved finances' could mean better tax collection, increased state grants, or successful project financing. However, these positives are overshadowed by 'ungrounded projects' (implying poor planning, lack of feasibility, or corruption), 'garbage-strewn streets' (a failure in basic sanitation and waste management), and 'reliance on last-minute flood measures' (indicating a lack of proactive disaster preparedness and robust storm-water drainage infrastructure). The **key stakeholders** involved are numerous:

1. **Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC):** The primary body responsible for civic administration and service delivery.

2. **Telangana State Government:** Exercises oversight, provides financial allocations, and frames policies for ULBs. Its role is crucial in empowering and enabling GHMC.

3. **Citizens of Hyderabad:** The direct beneficiaries or sufferers of GHMC's performance, taxpayers, and voters who hold the corporation accountable through elections.

4. **Urban Planners and Experts:** Provide technical guidance, conduct studies, and offer critiques on urban development strategies.

5. **Private Contractors:** Often engaged by GHMC for infrastructure projects, waste collection, and maintenance, their efficiency and accountability are critical.

6. **Environmental Activists and NGOs:** Advocate for sustainable practices, especially concerning waste management and environmental protection.

**Significance for India and Future Implications:**

This situation is highly significant for India for several reasons. Firstly, it underscores the persistent challenges in **urban governance** – the gap between constitutional mandates (74th CAA) and actual implementation. Many ULBs struggle with capacity building, fiscal autonomy, and political interference, hindering their ability to deliver on the 18 functions listed in the Twelfth Schedule. Secondly, effective **waste management** (a core function under the 74th CAA and a focus of schemes like **Swachh Bharat Abhiyan Urban**) and **flood preparedness** are critical for public health, environmental sustainability, and economic stability. Hyderabad's issues reflect a nationwide struggle with solid waste management, often leading to health crises and environmental degradation. The reactive approach to floods highlights the vulnerability of Indian cities to climate change impacts and the urgent need for resilient infrastructure and proactive disaster management plans.

From an economic perspective, poor civic outcomes can deter investment, impact tourism, and reduce the overall quality of life, potentially leading to social unrest. Politically, it can erode public trust in local democracy and governance. The future implications are clear: without addressing these fundamental issues, India's rapid urbanization could become a bane rather than a boon. There is an urgent need for:

1. **Strengthening accountability mechanisms** within ULBs.

2. **Enhancing citizen participation** through ward committees and area sabhas (as envisioned by the 74th CAA's **Article 243S**).

3. **Adopting integrated urban planning** that prioritizes sustainability, climate resilience, and efficient resource management.

4. **Improving fiscal devolution** to ULBs, as recommended by State Finance Commissions (mandated by **Article 243Y**), to reduce their reliance on state grants.

5. **Leveraging technology** for better service delivery, as promoted by initiatives like the **Smart Cities Mission** and **AMRUT (Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation)**. The ability of ULBs to deliver basic services effectively will determine the success of India's urban future and its journey towards becoming a developed nation.

This case study of GHMC serves as a microcosm for the complex challenges and opportunities in India's urban landscape, demanding comprehensive reforms and committed implementation of constitutional provisions and national policies.