New laws, administrative reforms responsible for Telangana development: KTR

HYDERABAD: Administrative reforms, such as the new Municipal and Panchayat Raj Acts and expedited clearances for construction projects like the TS-bPASS, have revolutionised administration, said Telangana Municipal Administration and Urban Development Minister K.T. Rama Rao on Friday.

KTR spoke about the rapid development seen in the State, particularly in cities and towns, during his speech at the Telangana Pattana Pragathi Dinotsavam celebrations at Shilpakala Vedika in Hyderabad on Friday, emphasising the exemplary progress made in municipal administration under the visionary leadership of Chief Minister K. Chandrashekar Rao.

He said that the State's commitment to urban development had garnered numerous accolades and awards by the Central Government.

The Minister thanked the 6.5 lakh State government employees for their efforts in successfully implementing a diverse range of innovative initiatives.

Highlighting the importance of urban areas, KTR reiterated the vital role cities played as economic engines for the nation, with Hyderabad and its surroundings contributing 45 percent to 50 percent of the State's government revenue.

The Minister acknowledged the significance of people-centric governance and the instrumental role it plays in the success of various schemes. The introduction of administrative reforms, new Municipal and Panchayat Raj Acts, and streamlined permissions for construction projects, such as TS-bPASS, had revolutionised governance.

Telangana was the only state in the country to issue permits for industries and residential houses in a timely manner. The Minister said that the State government remained committed to providing holistic, integrated, inclusive and balanced administration, ensuring the welfare of all sections of society across towns and villages.

The Minister lauded the dedicated efforts of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) staff. Their unwavering commitment to progress, even during the challenging COVID-19 pandemic, was commended. He said that despite the crisis, GHMC officials actively participated in crucial programs, such as road construction, bridge building, and sanitation management, displaying unwavering dedication and putting their lives at risk. He said that the State's exemplary programs had become a benchmark for other states, contributing to the overall development of the nation.

The Minister said that the State government prioritised sanitation in cities. He said that several initiatives were launched in this direction which includes Dry Resource Collection Centers, fecal sludge management and treatment plants, and provision of public toilets. Establishment of parks, nurseries, and the creation of urban lung spaces had contributed to a notable seven percent increase in green cover across towns.

KTR also spoke about the State government's active involvement in strengthening urban lakes, their beautification and development. He referred to expansion plans for Metro Rail, conservation of heritage structures.

He said that the Swachh Badi initiative would be launched in every municipality across the State, where children would be taught about segregating dry and wet waste, generating compost from it, recycling, and reducing usage of plastic.

The Minister appealed to all government officials, ranging from sanitation workers to senior officials, to continue putting diligent efforts towards shaping Telangana into an ideal State.