Hyderabad: Renowned politician and author Shashi Tharoor has reignited the long-standing debate over shifting India’s capital from Delhi to Hyderabad. His comments come amid growing concerns over Delhi’s worsening pollution and its geographical location near India’s borders, which some argue poses security challenges.
Hyderabad’s Advantages
Advocates for Hyderabad as India’s capital point to several key advantages:
1. Central Location: Positioned in the heart of the country, Hyderabad offers strategic benefits for defense and administration.
2. Earthquake Safety: Unlike Delhi, which is in a high-risk seismic zone, Hyderabad is relatively safe from earthquakes.
3. Historical Endorsement: Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, one of India’s founding fathers, had proposed Hyderabad as the capital due to its favorable geography and infrastructure potential.
4. Abundant Land Resources: Hyderabad has a vast land bank under the GO111 area around Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar, offering plenty of greenery and space that could be utilized for national administrative purposes.
Delhi’s Challenges
Delhi’s rising air pollution and proximity to India’s northern borders have fueled concerns over its long-term suitability as the nation’s capital. With alarming pollution levels impacting the health of its residents and security risks from its border location, the idea of relocating the capital is gaining traction.
Could Hyderabad Be the Perfect Choice?
Hyderabad, often hailed as a model of urban development, boasts world-class infrastructure, a thriving IT and business ecosystem, and excellent connectivity. Its central location ensures easier access to all parts of the country, making it an ideal administrative hub..
While the idea of relocating the capital is not new, Tharoor’s comments have reignited the conversation, sparking mixed reactions across political and public platforms. Whether Hyderabad could realistically replace Delhi as the nation’s capital remains to be seen, but the debate has certainly brought attention to the city’s growing prominence on the national stage.
