Hyderabad: Mayor Gadwal Vijayalakshmi and Deputy Mayor Mothe Srilatha Shobhan Reddy on Thursday hailed the state government’s decision to merge 27 municipalities into the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), calling it a historic step.
The merger expands Hyderabad’s area from 650 square kilometres to nearly 2,000 square kilometres, making it the largest metropolitan region in India.
GHMC merger Hyderabad seen as transformative move
Speaking at the GHMC head office, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor said they felt proud to lead a city of this scale. They thanked Chief Minister A. Revanth Reddy for taking the decision.
“The merger of 20 municipalities and seven corporations with GHMC is a transformative step. It expands our responsibility and speeds up the city’s growth,” they said.
New areas to get balanced development
Mayor Vijayalakshmi said the move will bring balanced development to newly added urban areas. It will also improve civic services and help bridge gaps between core Hyderabad and suburbs.
Deputy Mayor Reddy said the merger would fast-track infrastructure projects and ensure equal progress across all city zones.
Beautification works and statue unveilings
Earlier in the day, the Mayor and Deputy Mayor unveiled statues of Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B. R. Ambedkar at the GHMC head office. The installations had been pending for nearly two decades.
Commissioner R. V. Karnan, Additional Commissioners, department heads, and staff representatives joined them in paying floral tributes to the national leaders.
The Mayor also opened beautification works, including a new fountain and redesigned landscaping at the GHMC entrance. She said these changes gave the premises a modern look that was long overdue.
Addressing the media, the Mayor said Hyderabad’s expanded jurisdiction would support well-planned urban growth across the metro region.
Tribute to Konijeti Rosaiah
Later, Mayor Vijayalakshmi and Deputy Mayor Srilatha Reddy paid respects to former Chief Minister and Governor Konijeti Rosaiah on his death anniversary. They described him as an “Ajatha Shatruvu”—a leader without enemies—and praised his long years of public service.