Questions were raised about the current arrears, with a call for clear disclosures and a formal board resolution to streamline collection mechanisms, transparency in how it administers basic services and collects revenue.
Hyderabad: The Secunderabad Cantonment Board meeting on Tuesday saw MLA Sriganesh Narayanan raise civic concerns, particularly the lack of basic infrastructure across the eight wards, including water supply, sewage systems, road maintenance, and power connections to public utilities.
A key point was the Board’s failure to ensure electricity connections to borewells—a critical issue during the ongoing summer season. Officials reportedly stated that such connections fell outside their purview, a response that triggered objections during the meeting.
There was also concern over the ambiguity surrounding the newly drafted building bylaws 2024, which came into place following a ministry of defence directive and were shaped with inputs from architectural experts and urban planners. These bylaws introduce new zoning regulations, construction limits, and measures to deter unauthorised development —including a clause requiring developers to mortgage 10 per cent of the built-up area until occupancy clearance is granted.
Participants in the meeting including civil nominated member Banuka Narmada Mallikarjun and BJP MP Etala Rajendar pointed to growing frustration among residents about unapproved and illegal constructions. The Board was urged to take concrete steps to address such violations, especially in light of the composition rules outlined in the new byelaws.
Service charges were another flashpoint. Questions were raised about the current arrears, with a call for clear disclosures and a formal board resolution to streamline collection mechanisms, transparency in how it administers basic services and collects revenue.
Governance structure came under scrutiny as well. Concerns were expressed that nominated members dominate board decisions, with little public representation. A demand was made to either conduct elections immediately or consider merging the Cantonment with the GHMC. The matter of voting rights for elected MPs and MLAs in Board resolutions was also raised, to ensure better representation in policymaking.
It was also informed during the meeting that tenders for public toilet construction in Saibabanagar had been finalised, following previous complaints from local residents. The project is expected to address long-pending sanitation issues in the area.
Additionally, the use of 14 acres of trenching land was discussed. While two acres have been earmarked for a dog care centre and a cowshed, concerns were raised about potential encroachments on the remaining land. Suggestions were made to explore income-generating uses for the land through commercial activities, which could enhance the Board’s financial capacity to improve public services.
