TRS remains firm on breaking up GHMC Government may commission a detailed study; proposal to increase GHMC divisions is also under consideration

The ruling TRS party, which is keen on maintaining its hold on Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) by romping home in the ensuing elections, is toying with either decentralising it into three to four corporations or to increase the number of divisions in the GHMC limits to give more access to people.

Speculations to this extent are ripe in the ruling party and GHMC official circles feel that the state government is keen on a division on the lines of Delhi and Mumbai municipalities.

The recent comments of the municipal administration and urban development minister K.T. Rama Rao are giving impetus to the division claims.

Mr. Rama Rao had told reporters recently that he is in favour of decentralisation of GHMC in view of the rapid growth of expansion and population in

Hyderabad. The term of the current

GHMC Council ends next February. Elections are likely to be held in December-end or midJanuary, sources said.

Meanwhile, the government is likely to take up a detailed study into the feasibility and pros and cons with regard to division of GHMC and firm up a decision before elections, sources said.

Incidentally, GHMC came into being in 2007 by the Congress government by expanding the area of the erstwhile Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH) and dividing the corporation into five zones with 18 circles. Later, circles were increased to 24.

Recently, the state government set up Jawaharnagar, Nizampet, Bandlaguda Jagir, Meerpet, Peerzadiguda, Badangpet and Boduppal Corporation around GHMC.

Sources in the party pointed out that this itself is an indication of the ruling party’s keenness to decentralise city administration.