Telangana State is leading the way as one of the fastest urbanizing states in India. The Pattana Pragati program, launched under the leadership of State Urban Development and Municipal Administration Minister KT Rama Rao, has received national awards every year for its innovative approach. Telangana is now recognized as a fast-growing, urbanized state with well-developed cities and towns that meet international standards.
Under the Pattana Pragati program, the government has released Rs.4304 crore to 142 municipal bodies, including the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). Of these funds, Rs.3936 crores have already been utilized by the municipal bodies. The government has also sanctioned Rs.2276 crore to GHMC and Rs.2028 crore to the remaining 141 municipalities. The government is releasing funds every month to strengthen the financial viability of the municipal bodies and achieve the goals set by the government.
In addition to GHMC, 141 municipal bodies are collecting 4,356 tonnes of garbage every day. To collect garbage from houses 100%, 2165 new sanitation vehicles have been procured. Previously, only 2675 tonnes of garbage were collected and transported by 2548 sanitation vehicles per day. At present, the number of sanitary garbage collection vehicles has increased to 4713, significantly improving the sanitation situation. A total of 1233 acres of dump yards have been set up in 141 municipalities to process the collected garbage. 206 dry source collection centers have been set up to separate the garbage into wet and dry. 229 compost beds have been established to convert the garbage into organic manure. For environmental protection, the government has sanctioned 139 Faecal Waste Treatment plants with a capacity of 2035 kilo liters per day in all municipalities, except GHMC.
Under “Prakriti Vanalu” (urban natural forests), tree parks are being developed in 3468 wards in 141 municipalities. Under this program, 34.59 lakh saplings have been planted from 2021 to date. A large-scale plantation has also been undertaken under Harita Haram for Telangana, with a target of planting 2.14 crore saplings in 141 municipalities in 2023-24. Accordingly, 2.36 crore plants are being raised in 1012 nurseries.
The government has received Rs.128.97 lakh from trade license holders and Rs.14.28 lakh from employees and public representatives as contribution under Harita Nidhi (Green Fund). In all, Rs.1,43,25,000 was deposited. The State government has sanctioned 453 Vaikuntadhamams in 141 Municipal bodies, with works in 297 Vaikuntadhamams already completed and works in progress in other 149 places.
With a slew of development programs, including environmental protection, taken up by the government, all municipal bodies in the State stand as a role model for the country.
