Hyderabad's transformation in 400 years

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.

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 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:
  
• IT and innovation
• Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology
• Aerospace and defense
• 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 terms Hyderabad's status 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.