(Prof Simhadri*)
In the context of the proposed secretariat, we appeal to the state government to understand people’s anguish with regard to pandemic corona. Besides this history of Hyderabad and voices of environmental movements for preserving planet earth in relation to its much vitiated urban ecosystem and urban planning should also be considered.
Hyderabad began its journey from Gollakonda(later Golconda) during Kakatiyas and came into existence with the establishment of a new city in 1591 by Mohammad Quli, sultan of Golconda. His dream was to build a city ‘which should be a replica of heaven on earth and unequalled in the world’. ‘His ambition was to create a city better than Isfahan- the most beautiful city in Iran. He created gardens all over the city. Mohammad Quli ‘could not live without the sight of greenery’. Khuadadad Mahal, he built, had eight storeys having terrace gardens right up to the top floor. The city was named after his love, Baghmati, daughter of Lingaiah of Chichlam village located in the south of river Musi.
Later Hyderabad used to be called as ‘city of lakes’. The city used to have lush greenery with about 600 lakes. River and lake ecosystems in the monsoon land of Hyderabad became a great attraction to foreign travellers. Over a period of time, Hyderabad has become a city of destiny for peoples with varied cultures and languages from north to south and east to west besides foreigners settling from Persia, Afganistan and African continent etc. Hyderabad is now a Mega-City with about one crore population. It has grown in many folds during post-1956. It was seen by the dominant and rich from Andhra as a dream city. People of Telangana, other than feudal and landlords, were seen as pariahs in their own land. Telangana movement promised its people honouring their hopes and aspirations.
The inner city is now overcrowded with population and concrete structures. The roads are choked with ever-increasing automobiles. Hours of traffic jams have become routine everywhere. When rain lashes the city, life on the road becomes a hell.
Counter-urbanisation as the urban policy of Telangana State, the government might propose Secretariat City as part of the Master Plan of Hyderabad 2040.
Pollution reached its peak. Greenery is almost erased. Water bodies have disappeared because of land grabbers. The temperatures are shooting up beyond tolerable limits. There is hardly any lung space left with people. People neither have green enclaves nor outlets for morning walks. No play spaces for its children. You name a problem you find them in the city.
The government can’t acquire land demolishing private dwellings. The only source that is possible is to move out of its spacious office buildings over a period of time. Secretariat can be moved out into periphery as it doesn’t serve exclusively for Hyderbad needs.
Urban planning doesn’t allow any more new concrete structures in the inner city. Urban planning and zoning regulations need more open spaces . Begumpet airport is an example of getting relocated about 50 km away from the city. Metro, ORR fully support secretariat got relocated in the city hinterland.
Hyderabadis should strive for the livable city, regaining its past glory of garden City providing best of nature, amenities and services. Counter-urbanisation as the urban policy of Telangana State, the government might propose Secretariat City as part of the Master Plan of Hyderabad 2040.
Pandemic corona should be the topmost priority of the state policy in the context of emerging health scenario of entering into likely human disaster.
