GHMC ward delimitation accelerated for census data

GHMC ward delimitation | Hyderabad, Dec. 18: GHMC ward delimitation has been accelerated to meet the Centre’s deadline for nationwide population data collection, Commissioner Karanan told a special GHMC general body meeting held on Tuesday.

The Centre has directed all local bodies across the country to submit updated details by December 31. These include the number of wards, population figures and administrative boundaries.

In line with these directions, GHMC officials have fast tracked the delimitation process as per legal provisions.

The civic body has already accepted objections for a week. Following court directions, GHMC decided to extend the objection period by two more days.

The GHMC ward delimitation exercise is linked to the proposed national census. Officials said timely submission of ward level data is mandatory. Therefore, the process is being completed within the deadline set by the Union government.

GHMC ward delimitation enters final notification stage

As part of GHMC ward delimitation, a draft notification was issued covering the merger of 27 urban local bodies and reorganisation of 300 wards.

After inviting objections, officials are now examining and resolving them. A detailed report will be submitted to the state government. Based on this report, the government is expected to issue the final notification.

Between December 10 and December 17, GHMC received 5,905 objections. These were recorded separately at circle, zonal and head office levels. Officials said objections were also categorised issue wise for scrutiny.

Most objections relate to changes in ward names. Several representations stated that areas traditionally associated with a ward name were moved into neighbouring divisions.

Others pointed out unclear ward boundaries and lack of clarity on demarcation limits. There were also objections over existing wards being split into two, three or four parts.

Officials said objections are expected to rise further, as two more days remain for submissions. The total number may cross 7,000.

Meanwhile, town planning and election wing officials began examining suggestions raised during the general body meeting.

The GHMC ward delimitation process will also influence the timeline for Greater Hyderabad municipal elections.

GHMC ward delimitation | Divide the corporation

Officials indicated that elections may take at least another year. The schedule will depend on the government’s decision on whether to divide the corporation into two or three civic bodies after the final notification.

Once boundaries are finalised, administrative allocation of officers and staff will follow. Only then can the election process move forward.

Officials added that even after the final notification, changes related to population, boundaries and reservations may be considered during the election phase.

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