Hyderabad: Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi, Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha Shobhan Reddy, and a team of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) corporators visited the Rajkot Municipal Corporation (RMC) in Gujarat. They were part of a study tour to examine best civic practices.
The delegation held detailed discussions with senior RMC officials. They presented the city’s governance model, administrative systems, and field-level civic practices. The sessions focused on key areas including sanitation, solid waste management, e-governance, civic amenities, urban greenery, and environmental planning.
GHMC corporators examine Rajkot’s integrated waste fee system
During the two-day visit, GHMC corporators conducted site inspections across Rajkot city. They noted the complete absence of flex banners and hoardings, which contributed to a cleaner urban aesthetic. They also observed the uniform installation of tree guards and protective grills around electrical transformers, aimed at improving public safety.
A major point of interest was Rajkot’s waste collection model. Unlike Hyderabad, where citizens pay a ₹100 monthly user fee through Swachh autos, Rajkot collects solid waste charges annually along with property tax. Residential units pay ₹350, while commercial establishments are charged ₹730.
The corporators studied the feasibility of adapting this integrated fee model for Hyderabad. They identified it as a notable best practice.
GHMC practices found comparable in sanitation systems
The delegation also assessed how GHMC’s ongoing efforts compared with those in Rajkot. In areas like sanitation operations and the use of facial recognition-based attendance systems for sanitation staff, GHMC practices were found to be on par or more advanced.
Following the Rajkot visit, the delegation proceeded to Ahmedabad for further field-level assessments scheduled for Thursday evening and Friday. After concluding the tour, the corporators will submit a detailed report on recommended best practices for possible implementation in Hyderabad.