GHMC’s digital initiatives transform urban governance, uncover revenue gaps

Hyderabad: The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is driving a technology-led transformation in urban governance, boosting revenues and civic accountability through a series of digital initiatives.

A key achievement is the creation of a high-resolution GIS base map covering 650 sq km, using drone surveys with 5 cm spatial accuracy. Through house-to-house GIS surveys, officials mapped nearly 14 lakh properties. The exercise revealed 1.02 lakh new properties and 9,154 under-assessed units, creating new revenue streams.

GIS mapping, tax integrations and AI systems enhance transparency

GHMC has digitally mapped 1,502 parks, 599 public toilets, and 376 sports complexes, enabling efficient monitoring and upkeep. In flood-prone zones, the corporation mapped 1,121 km of stormwater drains, 24,147 catch pits, and 291 culverts across 150 wards. This data will anchor the Telangana Core Urban Region (TCUR) Stormwater Master Plan.

In a landmark step, GHMC integrated its Property Tax database with TGSPDCL electricity connections. This exposed 96,933 under-assessed properties. Field verification efforts recovered ₹7.40 crore in additional revenue.

The civic body also diversified income through trade license reforms, Vacant Land Tax linkage with property registrations, and POS-enabled field collections.

Governance reforms include facial recognition attendance systems for both field and head office staff. This has improved employee accountability. GHMC is now rolling out AI-based chatbots, WhatsApp services, QR-linked geospatial tools, and GPS-based tracking for 5,000 municipal vehicles.

These digital upgrades place GHMC at the forefront of citizen-centric, technology-enabled urban administration in India.