Hyderabad: GHMC Commissioner R.V. Karnan on Monday said civic infrastructure development in Hyderabad is the administration’s top priority, as the city enters a phase of large-scale expansion and restructuring.
Speaking at the 77th Republic Day function at the GHMC head office, Karnan noted that 2025 marks a key milestone. The merger of 27 municipalities expanded GHMC’s area from 650 to 2,053 square kilometres. This move brought 1.34 crore people under its jurisdiction, making it the largest civic body in India by area.
To manage this expansion, GHMC increased the number of wards to 300, circles to 60, and zones to 12. Karnan credited the swift reorganisation to coordination between departments, elected officials, and citizens.
Cleanliness and waste management drive progress
Karnan highlighted the city’s sanitation gains. GHMC ranked sixth in Swachh Survekshan 2025 and earned a 7-star garbage-free city status. It also retained its Water+ and ODF certifications.
He noted that new waste-to-energy, RDF, bio-CNG and C&D waste processing plants are now operational. A city-wide sanitation campaign cleared legacy waste and removed abandoned vehicles. A special e-waste drive collected 87 metric tonnes of electronic waste.
GHMC reduced dengue cases by 30%, using GIS-based surveillance and the VBD tracking app. The civic body also received national recognition for its disease prevention efforts.
To ease traffic congestion, GHMC is building multiple flyovers, railway overbridges (ROBs) and underpasses (RUBs) under the H-CITI initiative. A new storm water master plan is being prepared for the urban core.
Karnan said the corporation planted 25 lakh saplings across Hyderabad and developed 40 new parks. Green buffer zones were added to improve air quality.
He also listed digital upgrades: GIS-based property surveys, online tax payment portals, AI-based attendance systems and GPS tracking of vehicles are now in place to improve efficiency and transparency.
GHMC distributed ₹855 crore in loans to 7,127 Self Help Groups this year. Of this, ₹19.5 lakh went to four transgender SHGs. The Prem Leela Transgender Group received ₹6 lakh to expand its jute bag unit, which employs five transgender persons.
The Commissioner said GHMC also supports women through interest-free loans, PM SVANidhi schemes, skill development centres and Indiramma Mahila Shakti Canteens.
Earlier in the day, Karnan unfurled the national flag after receiving a police guard of honour. Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi and Deputy Mayor Srilatha Shobhan Reddy attended the event.
The trio handed over assistive devices to nine persons with disabilities. Karnan ended his address by urging citizens to pay taxes promptly and join GHMC’s efforts for a clean and progressive Hyderabad.
“Hyderabad is not just a city but a reflection of the aspirations of millions,” he said.
77th Republic Day Celebrated at GHMC Commissioner’s Office !!
On the occasion of the #77thRepublicDay , GHMC Commissioner Shri R. V. Karnan, IAS hoisted the National Flag at the GHMC Head Office, in the presence of Hon’ble Mayor Smt. Gadwal Vijayalakshmi garu. Senior officers… pic.twitter.com/GOvuFgAnD4
— Commissioner GHMC (@CommissionrGHMC) January 26, 2026