Tag Archives: urban planning

GHMC Streamlines C&D Waste Management to Curb Illegal Dumping

GHMC: Hyderabad’s rapid growth has led to a surge in construction activity and a significant increase in construction and demolition (C&D) waste. Illegal dumping of C&D waste is a common problem in the city, posing a threat to water bodies, damaging roads, and causing traffic congestion.

To address this issue, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) is streamlining the process of C&D waste collection and transportation, in addition to creating awareness about responsible waste management.

Two agencies have been contracted to collect C&D waste from door to door and transport it to 12 Secondary Collection Transfer Points (SCTPs) located across the city. Citizens can raise a request through the MY GHMC app or contact the concerned agencies directly.

Hyderabad C&D Private Limited is responsible for collecting building waste from the remaining areas of the city. For Kapra, Musheerabad, Secunderabad, Khairatabad, Mehdipatnam, Charminar, Jubilee Hills, and other areas, Soma Srinivas Reddy Engineers and Contractors are responsible for collecting the waste.

Every day, these contractors collect and transport around 750 metric tonnes (MT) of C&D waste. The cost of transporting the waste varies depending on the area, but contractors can transport the waste directly to the SCTP at a reduced cost.

All the waste collected at the SCTPs is then sent to C&D waste recycling plants in Fathullaguda, Malkajgiri, Shamshabad, and Thumukunta, which together can recycle 2000 metric tonnes of waste per day.

The GHMC has also imposed penalties on unauthorized transportation of C&D waste. A penalty of Rs 25,000 and Rs 50,000 is levied for the first and second offenses respectively. For the third offense, along with a fine of Rs 1,00,000, the vehicle used for transportation will also be confiscated.

The GHMC’s efforts to streamline C&D waste management are expected to reduce illegal dumping and promote responsible waste management in the city.

Hyderabad’s IDL Lake Gets a Remarkable Transformation

The Rangadhamuni Lake, popularly known as IDL Lake, in Kukatpally, Hyderabad has undergone a remarkable transformation. The lakefront area is now a major leisure spot with a dedicated pathway, ample seating space, unique light fixtures, and landscaped gardens.

The Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) took up the beautification works at a cost of Rs. 9.80 crore. The uneven road has been replaced with a paver blocks walkway made of cobblestone and granite flooring. Stepped and cubicle seating have been provided for visitors to relax and enjoy the lake views.

Towering light fixtures that look like red flowers are the main attraction at the lake. A dedicated toilet block and dustbins have also been put in place to maintain hygiene.

The 568-meter-long main bund abutting the Mumbai National Highway is in close proximity to multiple residential colonies and gated communities, which makes this lake a happening hangout spot in the city.

The IDL Lake transformation is a welcome step towards making Hyderabad a more livable city. The lakefront area is now a beautiful and inviting space for people of all ages to enjoy.

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India’s first solar roof cycling track opens in Hyderabad

Hyderabad has taken a significant step towards an environmentally sustainable future in urban transportation with the inauguration of the country’s first solar roof cycling track. The track, named Healthway, is located on the Outer Ring Road (ORR) between the main carriageway and service road, and is open 24/7.

The track is a three-lane path that is 4.5 meters wide, with one meter of green space on either side. It has two stretches: a pink line of 8.5 km from Nanakramguda to Telangana State Police Academy, and a blue line of 14.5 km from Kollur to Narsingi. The two stretches converge at Narsingi Junction with five different access points.

The track is covered by solar roof panels, which will generate 16 megawatts (MW) of power. This power will be used to light up the track at night and may also be used to fulfill some other power requirements of the ORR.

The track is expected to become a prime hangout with facilities like ample parking space, surveillance cameras, food courts, drinking water, first aid, restrooms, bicycle repair shops, cycle docking and rental stations, and other services.

Speaking at the inauguration of the track, Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) Minister KT Rama Rao said that the track is a viable and self-sustaining project. He also revealed plans to set up similar tracks around the Gandipet Lake, and in Financial District and Neopolis areas.

“The main goal here is to get our kids enthused about cycling and mobility so that they do not have any lifestyle-related illness in the future,” he said.

The solar roof panels will protect cyclists from the sun, rain, and other weather conditions, and will also isolate them from main traffic on the roads, enhancing safety.

The idea of building this track came when the MA&UD Minister spotted a tweet by noted environmentalist Erik Solheim that showcased the cycling track in South Korea between Daejeon and Sejong.

The inauguration of India’s first solar roof cycling track is a significant milestone in the country’s journey towards sustainable urban transportation. The track is expected to encourage more people to cycle, which will have a positive impact on air quality and public health. It is also a valuable example of how solar energy can be used to power innovative infrastructure projects.