Hyderabad:Urban planners have cited major shortcomings that could limit the impact of the Core Urban Region (Integrated Governance) Bill of 2026, a draft of which has been put up for public suggestions.
The urban governance organisation Janaagraha, in a presentation on Tuesday, said that the Bill scored only 28 per cent in its assessment of strong metropolitan governance systems. While this is slightly higher than the 23 per cent score of the current GHMC Act, 1955, it still remains below the 38 per cent achieved by Greater Bengaluru Governance Act, 2024.
The Telangana government recently released the draft CURE Bill for consultation until July 24. The proposed legislation seeks to replace the GHMC Act, and introduces measures related to metropolitan governance, service delivery, climate resilience, gender inclusion and livelihoods.
Janaagraha’s dfirector of policy and insights Anita Kumar, speaking at the presentation, said the draft Bill got some core elements right. “Property taxes, which impact most of the urban residents, are fairer and more predictable. Every property getting single identity, and climate actions are written into law for the very first time. There is real intent in the Bill, and it deserves some credit.”
However, she said, the legislation did not go far enough in creating a modern, accountable and effective governance structure.
The organisation recommended five key reforms, including clearer planning responsibilities among different agencies, greater accountability for the more than 15 new authorities and committees proposed under the Bill, adequate staffing and funding for institutions, stronger powers for elected representatives, and mandatory implementation timelines for major reforms.
It said that roads, drains, housing, land use and environmental systems were planned by different agencies, often without adequate coordination, and the Bill should clearly define the respective roles of the Metropolitan Planning Committee (MPC), HMDA and the CM-led Apex Governance Council. It also said that the Bill created more than 15 new authorities, committees, and cells, with each one needing a clear job, clear powers, the staff to run it, and someone answerable, so that they do not overlap, work at cross-purposes, or leave citizens unsure who is responsible.
Anita Kumar called on the citizens to actively participate in shaping the legislation. She noted that the Bill presented an opportunity to build a city that is well-planned, responsive and capable of meeting the aspirations of future generations.
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