Big push to make Hyderabad a 'jewel'

Hyderabad: The state government has promised to change the overall outlook of the city and its outskirts for which it has allocated Rs 10,000 crore. The funds would be utilised for provision of world-class amenities in the global city in the new financial year.

Most of these funds would be spent on SRDP works and to carryout works like Musi river purification and Musi River Front Project and all other special projects and infrastructural works in Hyderabad urban agglomeration area.

Hyderabad being the 'Jewel of Telangana' with 400 years of history has got name and fame as the most affordable and liveable city. It has moderate climatic conditions and cosmopolitan culture and has achieved worldwide appreciation.

Finance Minister Harish Rao said, "Due to the unscrupulous policies adopted in the erstwhile combined state, city life has become full of turmoil. Facilities have not been improved in proportionate to the growth of population."

The minister said plans were being prepared for extending Metro Rail from Rayadurgam to Shamshabad and from BHEL to Lakdikapul. He said the Hyderabad Metro Rail entered the history books as the biggest Metro Rail Project after Delhi.

Earlier, Metro Rail was running from Miyapur to LB Nagar, Nagole to Ameerpet, Ameerpet to Rayadurgam. Recently, Metro Rail commenced its services from Jubilee Bus Station to Mahatma Gandhi Bus Station. Remaining five kilometres covering the Old City would also be completed at the earliest, said the minister.

The government had also proposed to spend Rs 50, 000 crore on Hyderabad development during the next five years. Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao had requested the Centre to grant special funds for the development of six Metro cities, including Hyderabad but no special funds were earmarked for the City of Pearls so far.

It also proposes to enhance the number of Basthi Dawakhanas to 350. About 232 Dawakhanas would be launched soon with special focus on areas where SCs, STs, minorities and poor stay.