Hyderabad's transformation

Hyderabad is over 4 centuries old and precisely 434 years old as of early 2026. For an individual human being, a hundred years constitute a full lifetime, often spanning three or four generations. For a place in history, however, the same hundred years amount to little more than a fleeting moment. Against this vast canvas of time, Hyderabad’s journey is truly remarkable. In just about four centuries, it has evolved from a sovereign country to a state capital and finally into a global metropolitan city, an extraordinary narrative of political transformation and continuity in modern India. Who has seen tomorrow?

From 1591 to 1724, Hyderabad evolved from a new capital under the Qutb Shahi Dynasty, established by Muhammad Quli Qutb Shah, into a significant cultural and trade hub, especially diamonds and eventually came under Mughal control in 1687 before the powerful Asaf Jahi (Nizam) dynasty began its rule in 1724 under Asaf Jah I, marking the start of autonomous rule in the Deccan

Hyderabad as a Country (1724–1948)

For over two centuries, Hyderabad existed as an independent princely state, often described as a country within the Indian subcontinent. In 1724, Mir Qamar-ud-Din Khan (Asaf Jah I) founded the Hyderabad State after asserting autonomy from the Mughal Empire. Hyderabad became the largest and wealthiest princely state in India, ruled by the Nizams. It had its own government, currency, postal system, railways, army and diplomacy. At the time of Indian independence in 1947, Hyderabad covered parts of present-day Telangana, Marathwada (Maharashtra) and Kalyana Karnataka. The Nizam sought to remain independent, not joining India or Pakistan. Thus, Hyderabad functioned like a sovereign country, though under British paramountcy.

Hyderabad as a State (1948–1956)

After independence, Hyderabad’s status changed dramatically. In September 1948, the Government of India carried out Operation Polo, a police action that integrated Hyderabad into the Indian Union. Hyderabad became Hyderabad State, administered initially by a Military Governor and later an elected government. In 1952, Dr. Burgula Ramakrishna Rao became the first elected Chief Minister. The state included Telugu, Marathi and Kannada speaking regions. Hyderabad transitioned from an independent princely country to a full-fledged Indian state.

Hyderabad City as Capital of Andhra Pradesh (1956–2014)

The States Reorganization Act, 1956 reorganized states on linguistic lines. Telugu-speaking areas of Hyderabad State merged with Andhra State to form Andhra Pradesh. The city of Hyderabad became the capital of Andhra Pradesh. Over the next decades, Hyderabad expanded rapidly as an administrative, educational, industrial and IT hub. Hyderabad’s identity thus narrowed from a state to a capital city, even as its importance grew.

Hyderabad as Capital of Telangana (2014–Present)

Following a long mass movement for over 6 decades, Telangana was formed as India’s 29th state on 2 June 2014. Hyderabad was designated as the capital of Telangana, with a shared capital status with Andhra Pradesh for up to 10 years.  Post-bifurcation, Hyderabad emerged as a global metropolitan city, known for (a) IT and innovation (b) Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology (c) Aerospace and defence (d) Culture, cuisine and heritage.

Hyderabad today is no longer a state or country, but a powerful global city driving a state’s economy.

In simple, Hyderabad is this -

Phase	Status	Period
1	Independent Princely Country	1724–1948
2	Indian State	1948–1956
3	Capital City of Andhra Pradesh	1956–2014
4	Capital City of Telangana	2014–Present

 

 

Priority Civic Issues for RWAs Post-GHMC Expansion

1. Basic Urban Infrastructure

RWAs should prioritize gaps in essential infrastructure, especially in newly merged areas:

• Road widening, resurfacing and pothole-free streets

• Footpaths, pedestrian crossings and universal accessibility

• Storm-water drainage and flood mitigation measures

• Street lighting and junction safety improvements

2. Water Supply & Sewerage

Ensuring equitable access to water and sanitation across old and new GHMC areas:

• Regular and adequate drinking water supply

• Leakage detection and pipeline replacement

• Sewer line connectivity and overflow prevention

• Septic tank regulation in peri-urban colonies

• Monitoring water quality and pressure

3. Solid Waste Management

Standardizing sanitation services across all 300 wards:

• Door-to-door waste collection efficiency

• Source segregation of wet and dry waste

• Composting and recycling initiatives

• Removal of garbage vulnerable points (GVPs)

• Monitoring contractor performance and sanitation staff deployment

4. Public Health & Sanitation

RWAs can act as first responders to neighbourhood health risks:

• Mosquito control, fogging and vector-borne disease prevention

• Cleanliness of public toilets and community spaces

• Control of stray animals and animal welfare coordination

• Monitoring health camps and vaccination drives

5. Traffic, Parking & Mobility

Managing congestion in expanding urban areas:

• Regulation of on-street parking

• Traffic calming measures in residential colonies

• Pedestrian safety near schools and senior citizen areas

• Last-mile public transport connectivity

• Coordination with traffic police on local issues

6. Urban Planning & Zoning Compliance

RWAs play a crucial watchdog role in protecting planned development:

• Prevention of illegal constructions and encroachments

• Monitoring land-use violations in residential zones

• Protection of parks, open spaces and lakes

• Ensuring adherence to building permissions and fire safety norms

7. Parks, Green Spaces & Environment

Safeguarding environmental sustainability:

• Maintenance and protection of neighbourhood parks

• Tree plantation and urban forestry initiatives

• Protection of water bodies, nalas and green buffers

• Monitoring pollution levels (air, noise, water)

• Promotion of rainwater harvesting

8. Street Vending & Local Economy Balance

Ensuring order without affecting livelihoods:

• Regulation of street vendors in residential areas

• Designated vending zones and timings

• Preventing obstruction to traffic and pedestrians

• Fair implementation of vending policies

9. Safety & Disaster Preparedness

RWAs can partner with GHMC and police on preparedness:

• Installation and maintenance of CCTV cameras

• Streetlight audits to prevent crime

• Fire safety compliance in apartments

• Disaster readiness for floods, heatwaves and emergencies

• Community emergency response teams

10. Digital Governance & Service Delivery

Improving access and accountability:

• Awareness of GHMC grievance redressal portals

• Monitoring complaint resolution timelines

• Bridging digital divide in newly merged areas

• Use of ward dashboards and citizen apps

11. Social Welfare & Inclusion

Ensuring inclusive urban growth:

• Access to welfare schemes for senior citizens, women and children

• Barrier-free infrastructure for persons with disabilities

• Support for migrant and informal workers

• Community centers and social infrastructure

12. Education, Sports & Community Facilities

Enhancing quality of life at neighbourhood level:

• Maintenance of schools and anganwadis

• Playgrounds and sports infrastructure

• Libraries, cultural spaces and community halls

• Youth and senior citizen engagement programmes

13. Property Tax & Civic Transparency

Ensuring fairness and trust in municipal finance:

• Clarity in property tax assessment post-merger

• Grievance redressal for tax anomalies

• Transparency in utilization of ward funds

• Participation in ward-level budget discussions

14. Coordination with Ward Committees

Institutionalizing citizen participation:

• Representation in ward committees

• Regular interaction with corporators and officials

• Follow-up on ward development works

• Community participation in planning and audits

15. Civic Awareness & Behavioral Change

RWAs as partners in social responsibility:

• Campaigns on cleanliness and waste segregation

• Water conservation and energy efficiency drives

• Traffic discipline and public etiquette

• Encouraging volunteerism and civic pride

Conclusion

With GHMC emerging as India’s largest urban local body by extent, RWAs have a historic opportunity to function as the fourth tier of urban governance. By prioritizing these civic issues, RWAs can ensure that Hyderabad’s expansion leads to better services, stronger accountability and improved quality of life, rather than administrative complexity.

Will Telangana Govt auction Community Halls ?

Y. Babji, Past President

Yes. It is going to happen as per media reports. Read this news.

https://www.newindianexpress.com/states/telangana/2025/Jun/08/telangana-to-auction-rajiv-swagruha-and-housing-board-properties-to-raise-funds-for-development.

If the properties in question include SR Nagar Community Hall too, read my blog written here on 23rd July 2010 about a Writ filed in AP High Court that stalled the action of AP Housing Board to auction it. 

Writ Petition 19835 of 2002 disposed in 2008.

WP No.19835 of 2002 between the petitioner Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar Welfare Association and the respondent AP Housing Board is disposed by an order dated 28th August 2008.

The writ was filed by the Association questioning the proposed action of the Housing Board in auctioning the Community Hall to private people on rental basis for a period of 5 years on the ground that "community hall was constructed for the benefit of the residents of SR Nagar as when the layout has been made, the Housing Board collected developmental charges for providing civic amenities like roads, play grounds, water, drainage, electricity etc and also to develop the said community hall to meet the needs of the colony people".

While disposing the writ, Hon'ble Justice V Eswaraiah observed that "it is just andproper to settle the terms and conditions for making use of the said community hall even by the auction purchaser and for that reason, it is just and proper for the respondent Housing Board to give notice to the petitioner Association before issuing auction notification". 

Accordingly, the writ petition is disposed of keeping it open for the respondents to auction the community hall on rental basis. However, the respondents are directed to issue notice to the petitioner before issuing auction notification and take its suggestion also into account"

The Housing Board took 2 years to communicate the order of the High Court. Now the EE, North Division of APHB vide his letter dated 20-7-2010 asking for the suggestions of the Association. 

Members of the Welfare Association are wondering why the present Executive Committee that was elected in Jan 2021 is not conducting AGMs, not rendering annual accounts, not maintaining registers and books that will have to be maintained by a Residential Welfare Association as per byelaws. Executive Committee meetings are not taking place and even if conducted, no communication of minutes thereof. An official whatsapp group created for a two way communication is kept closed for members and is in Admins Only mode since 2021. 

If this is the opaque nature of an 'Association of Persons/body of individuals' in a democratic society, its functioning as per byelaws or otherwise, is left to the imagination of its own members as well as residents of the Colony, commented a senior member, vehemently.  

Time to Act for the Association to gather old records, minutes of meetings, have an emergency general body meeting, adopt a resolution and approach all the concerned officials and peoples representatives for a solution. 

RWAs - Majority are Undemocratic and Opaque

A Resident Welfare Association (RWA) is a non-governmental organization that represents the interests of the residents of a community or society. RWAs are created to manage the welfare of a community, including ensuring a safe, peaceful, and well-maintained living environment.

These are responsible for managing common areas, facilitating communication among residents, liaising with external authorities, addressing community matters, such as maintenance and social events, overseeing expenses and ensuring they are used for the residents' well-being and development. RWAs are legal entities with their own rights and legal duties. They are set up under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 or State Acts. RWAs will have the Office Bearers who play various roles, such as President, Vice President, Secretary, Treasurer, Executive Members as per the approved byelaws

Criticisms towards Residential Welfare Associations often center around their perceived arbitrary rule enforcement, discriminatory practices, lack of transparency, potential corruption and overreach into residents' personal lives, sometimes imposing rules that are seen as overly controlling and discriminatory based on various factors. 

Key criticisms are arbitrary rules and enforcement: RWAs are often accused of creating and enforcing rules based on personal biases or whims, rather than established guidelines, leading to unfair treatment of residents depending on the governing body's interpretation.

Discrimination based on personal characteristics: Some RWAs have been known to bar tenants based on factors like marital status, gender, or even religion, creating discriminatory practices within the community.

Lack of transparency and accountability: The decision-making process within RWAs can be opaque, with residents often not having access to detailed information regarding financial management or rule implementation, leading to concerns about potential corruption.

Moral policing and overreach: Some RWAs tend to interfere excessively in residents' personal lives, dictating social behavior and imposing restrictions on activities that are not necessarily detrimental to the community.

Power dynamics and intimidation: Residents may feel pressured to comply with RWA demands due to the power they hold over basic amenities and services within the community, leading to a fear of retaliation for voicing dissent.

Poor handling of disputes: Internal conflicts within a community can be poorly managed by RWAs, leading to escalation of issues and lack of resolution for residents with grievances.

Exclusion of tenants: In some cases, RWAs prioritize the concerns of property owners over tenants, leaving renters with limited voice in decision-making processes and potentially facing unfair treatment.

Examples of criticism against RWAs: Unequal treatment of residents i.e. favoring certain residents or groups within the community over others in decision-making or enforcement of rule and most importantly not following the approved byelaws in terms of convening EC Meetings and AGMs vis a vis conducting Elections and mandatory reporting to the Registrar concerned as required under law.

- Y Babji, Past President of SRNWA

Hyderabad / 9th December 2020

The now redundant Executive Committee of SR Nagar Welfare Association which continued for 4 years 6 months is likely to go for elections on 24th January 2021.

Learnt that the EC met on 8-12-2020 and decided to hold AGM with Elections on 24-1-2021 though the orders of Government was to hold AGMs of different entities before 31st December 2020 either physically or virtually or on a combination of both.

Members of the Association accuse the Office Bearers for being non-responsive and opaque in their functioning. Residents expect that this time Youth takes up the responsibility of the Association duly dispensing with those who enjoyed power and positions for decades. 

Hyderabad/20th June 2020

SR Nagar Residents' Welfare Association gets on with a time-barred Executive Committee.

Since 4 years, there are no elections to the Executive Committee of Sanjeeva Reddy Nagar Welfare Association.

As per the constitution of the Association, June is the month during which General Body meeting will have to be conducted every year and Elections ought to be held once in two years. But the present Committee chose to continue unauthorized without AGM and Elections in the guise of Corona lockdown, though there is a provision to convene Virtual AGMs.  

New Managing Committee for 2012-14

Prof. J S Babu Rao & Advocate Mallikarjuna Rao and all their associates as a panel have swept the polls conducted at the AGM held on 17-6-2012 defeating CB Richard & K Sarada and their followers. It was an unprecedented turn out at the AGM this year despite rain and humidity. Started at 3 pm, the poll process went on upto 8.30 pm.

Here, they are, victorious -

President
Prof J S Babu Rao

Vice Presidents
SV Rama Bhadra Raju
K Hanumantha Rao
K Indra Reddy

Secretary
Advocate K V Mallikarjuna Rao

Joint Secretaries
T Srikanth
S Anji Reddy
V Viveknath

Treasurer
T Pentaiah

Joint Treasurer
K. Jacob

& 13 more EC members


The outgoing Managing Committee proposed meaningless amendments to the bye-laws much to the disappointment of Senior Citizens, Members serving in Govt Departments & Women who are active in other Associations etc. Those proposed amendments were not authorized by the Executive Committee, either. The lesson to be learnt is "Never disrespect senior citizens and elders".