Hyderabad: Terming the nearly seven-decade-old Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Act, 1955, as outdated for the needs of a rapidly growing metropolitan region, the Telangana government has unveiled the draft Core Urban Region (Integrated Governance) Bill, 2026 (CURE Bill).It as now called for suggestions and feedback on the draft bill from citizens, Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), industry bodies, professional organisations and other stakeholders. Comments and objections can be submitted on or before July 24 through the official portals of the three municipal corporations in Greater Hyderabad.While retaining many provisions of the existing GHMC Act, the proposed legislation introduces a series of governance, environmental, public safety reforms and key institutions aimed at addressing the challenges of a metropolitan region that has expanded from a city of around 15 lakh people to nearly 1.3 crore.Officials said the GHMC Act has failed to keep pace with the city’s expanding geographical limits and the growing complexity of urban administration, resulting in structural inconsistencies and gaps in governance and service delivery.“The Bill seeks to establish a unified governance structure for CURE while enabling the constitution of multiple municipal corporations within it and decentralising administration. It aims to improve the ease of governance by ensuring the equitable allocation of responsibilities and better coordination among commissioners and other officials,” a senior Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MAUD) official said.The draft legislation proposes several reforms to improve sustainability and civic administration. These include mandatory electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure in buildings, compulsory treatment and reuse of greywater, the establishment of a dedicated Climate Action Framework, the creation of a Green Energy and Carbon Transition Fund, and dedicated institutional cells for labour welfare and heritage conservation.Gender inclusion cellTo promote inclusive urban development, the Bill proposes the establishment of a Gender Inclusion Cell to make CURE safer and more accessible for women and transgender persons. The cell will conduct gender audits to assess whether laws, policies and budgets adequately address gender equality; advise government departments and municipal corporations on inclusion and safety measures; and organise regular sensitisation programmes on the rights of women, transgender persons and sexual minorities.Authorities will also be required to ensure well-lit public spaces, gender-segregated public toilets, inclusive civic infrastructure, adequate surveillance in public areas, and equitable access to livelihood opportunities.Climate Action FrameworkA dedicated Climate Action Cell will be established to prepare a comprehensive Climate Action Plan, undertake climate risk assessments, and support climate adaptation and resilience initiatives. The Bill mandates climate-proofing of urban infrastructure by creating shaded public spaces in streets, parks, markets, playgrounds, work sites, vending zones and traffic junctions to reduce the impact of extreme heat and other climate-related risks.Government construction projects will be required to use recycled construction and demolition waste wherever feasible. The legislation also provides for the establishment of a Lake Protection Committee to oversee the conservation, restoration and protection of lakes within CURE.Disaster Management AuthorityThe proposed legislation also provides for the establishment of a CURE Disaster Management Authority responsible for disaster prevention, preparedness, mitigation and emergency response.It also mandates the preparation of a comprehensive Disaster Management Plan outlining institutional responsibilities, coordination mechanisms among local authorities and emergency response systems across the metropolitan region.Traffic management and road safety authorityTo tackle congestion and improve mobility, a dedicated Traffic Management and Road Safety Authority will be established. The authority will integrate traffic planning, regulation and enforcement, prepare comprehensive traffic management plans, coordinate street design with mobility planning and operate intelligent traffic management systems to improve road safety and reduce congestionStrengthened fire safetyThe Bill empowers the government to empanel third-party agencies to conduct fire safety audits of buildings before issuing compliance certificates. These agencies will undertake risk-based inspections to verify compliance with fire safety norms. Where serious violations pose immediate risks to life or property, authorities will be empowered to order remedial measures or seal buildings or portions of buildings until deficiencies are rectified.Food safety and nutrition committee:To strengthen public health, the draft proposed a Food Safety and Nutrition Committee to oversee food safety standards across Hyderabad. The Committee will review implementation of food safety regulations, identify gaps in enforcement and infrastructure, recommend measures to improve food hygiene and nutrition, monitor outbreaks of food-borne diseases and advise the government and municipal corporations on food safety policies and corrective measures.
