Hyderabad mayor calls for proper city planning

HDA director general highlights inaccurate data about influx of new residents

HYDERABAD:

Expressing deep concern over the unregulated expansion of urbanisation in Hyderabad, Mayor Kashif Ali Shoro voiced his shock at the transformation of green rural lands on the outskirts of the city into commercial and residential developments.

Chairing a meeting focused on formulating Hyderabad's master plan, a project estimated at Rs500 million, the mayor highlighted the haphazard conversion of agricultural areas into housing schemes, identifying it as a key factor in the city's vulnerability.

Having personally visited the affected rural districts, the mayor acknowledged past mismanagement in the city and emphasised the urgency of addressing the conversion of agricultural lands.

Municipal Commissioner HMA, Anees Ahmed Dasti, underscored the need for improved urban planning to accommodate the rapidly growing population in Sindh's second-largest city.

The proposed master plan for 2047 aims to address various components, including housing, water supply, drainage systems, roads, air quality, agriculture, and civic facilities.

Prof Dr Imtiaz Ahmed Chandio from Mehran University of Engineering and Technology suggested utilising academic expertise for the master plan, emphasising the importance of professional input over non-expert involvement.

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He criticised inadequately prepared master plans evident in other cities and pointed out issues such as parking, traffic congestion, and the limited impact of the peoples bus service initiative.

Chandio stressed the necessity of involving universities in addressing urban planning challenges and recommended a comprehensive study of population growth for the proposed master plan's effectiveness.

Additional Deputy Commissioner, Najeeb-ur-Rehman Jamali, cautioned against overlooking the impact of migration on the population of the city, suggesting the relocation of major facilities like Liaquat University Hospital and large markets to the outskirts.

Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA) Director General, Zahid Hussain Shar, highlighted the lack of accurate data on the influx of new residents, despite a 2.1% annual population growth.

The mayor has urged all stakeholders to submit written proposals for master plan 2047, emphasising the collaborative effort needed to shape the city's future.

Published in The Express Tribune, December 8^th, 2023.