Difference between GHMC and HMDA

While many of us have thought of investing in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad, we are left
confused with the plethora of authoritative bodies that exist here. We are always left in a state of chaos while
we seek permissions from the numerous authorities for our investments. The documents mention a different set
of rules for each body and thus leave us in dilemma whether or not to invest with such great difficulty.

If you are looking to invest in either of these cities, you need to understand the basic differences between these
bodies.

This article will hopefully clear all your doubts and make your investments in the future easier.

Difference Between GHMC and HMDA

Hyderabad is one of the fastest growing metropolitan cities in India. Considering the area of the city, it is larger
than any other urban centre in the state.

It is quite difficult for us to understand the governing of such a vast city. If we take a look at the authorities that
are present in the city, we stumble upon two major bodies- The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation and
the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority.
For us to understand the differences between their objectives, functions and roles, let us look at the history of
these organisations before GHMC and HMDA.

Erstwhile Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH)

The Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad (MCH) was a local body that used to take care of the citizens of both
Hyderabad and Secunderabad, formed under the Act of Hyderabad Municipal Corporation 1955.
Its head was the Mayor who had very little executive powers as compared to the Municipal Commissioner with
who the real executive powers were vested.
MCH covered only 173 sq. km and to provide better amenities to the citizens, it was divided into 4 zones, 7
circles and 100 wards.

Transformation of MCH into GHMC

Laying roads, maintaining streets, public health, sanitation, etc. were the major functions of MCH. This indicates
that the MCH was a civic body vested with the responsibility to provide amenities and infrastructure to the
inhabitants of the twin cities.

In 2007, together with MCH and 12 other municipalities in Ranga Reddy and Medak districts, covering an area
of 626 sq. Kms, the GHMC was formed. The expansion of city limits and formation of GHMC was to make sure
that the surrounding areas of Hyderabad are also developed and have better infrastructure as the inhabitants at
the core of the city. The functions and objectives of both MCH and GHMC remained same while the jurisdiction
increased vastly.

Jurisdiction of GHMC
GHMC comprises of all the areas that were under the erstwhile MCH plus 12 municipalities and 8 gram
panchayats of Ranga Reddy and Medak districts.
Of the 12 municipalities, 10 are from Ranga Reddy district viz L.B. Nagar, Gaddiannaram, Uppal Kalan,
Malkajgiri, Kapra, Alwal, Qutubullapur, Kukatpally, Serilingampalle, Rajendranagar and 2 from Medak district
that include Ramachandrapuram and Patancheru.
All eight panchayats are from Ranga Reddy district viz., Shamshabad, Satamarai, Jallapalli, Mamdipalli,
Mankhal, Almasguda, Sardanagar and Ravirala.
GHMC is divided into five zones (south, east, north, west, and central), 18 circles and 150 wards.

Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (HUDA)

In order to develop the metropolitan area of Hyderabad, a constitutional body ‘Hyderabad Urban Development
Authority (HUDA)’ was formed under the Andhra Pradesh Urban (Dev.) Act 1975. The main objective of this
body was to plan for development of the combined region covered under HDA.

Jurisdiction of HUDA

HUDA’s jurisdiction extended over an area of 1,348 sq.km, which includes entire area covered under MCH, 10
surrounding municipalities of Ranga Reddy, Medak districts and vast area under gram panchayats.

While the municipal bodies manage civic services in the city, HUDA covers much larger area and focuses on
the planning and development of its jurisdiction. Layout developments, Group Housing Schemes, all non-
residential permissions etc. are the powers with HUDA. It also prepares Master plans, Zonal Development
plans.

Projects handled by HUDA:

Greenery Under Flyovers at Tarnaka and Bashirbagh

Development of commercial complexes such as Maitrivanam Commercial Complex, additional Floors at
Tarnaka Commercial Complex, Swarnajayanthi Commercial Complex at Ameerpet, Corporate Office Complex
Adjacent To HACA Bhavan.

Special Development Authorities (SDAs)

The efforts of the state government to extend its provisions to many other areas of the city, despite not having a
large urban population resulted in the constitution of Special Urban Development Authorities. These authorities
help in selecting areas out of the jurisdiction of existing Urban Development Authorities, which need special
planning controls and a high level of infrastructural input. Three different bodies were formed under this
proposal act.

Buddha Purnima Project Authority (BPPA): BPPA was constituted for the development of Hussain Sagar
Lake and its surroundings in the year 2000.The plan was to make the area an authentic tourist spot with theme
parks, recreational spots, water sports, etc. The recreational zones covered under this project are Lumbini park,
NTR Memorial, NTR Garden, Necklace Road, Peoples Plaza, Sanjeevaiah Park, etc.
Hyderabad Airport Development Authority (HADA): To promote and develop the areas in and around the
Rajiv gandhi International airport, the state government constituted a statutory authority named Hyderabad
Airport Development Authority (HADA). The jurisdiction of HADA extended to 458 sq. km and covered villages
and hamlets all falling in Ranga Reddy District.
Cyberabad Development Authority (CDA): Cyberabad Development Authority (CDA) was meant for the
effective development of the areas around the HITEC City and surroundings. CDA covers broadly 52 sq. kms
consisting of 17 revenue villages.
Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA)

HMDA is an urban planning body formed in 2008 by merging the erstwhile HUDA, BPPA, HADA, and CDA.
HMDA is a high power body chaired by the Chief Minister of Telangana. HMDA covers an area of 7,100 sq. kms
under its jurisdiction. It is also the 2nd largest urban development area in India, while Begaluru comes first.

The area covered under HMDA is twice the size of Goa, larger than the National Capital Territory of Delhi and
many times bigger than Union Territories like Chandigarh and Puduchery.

HMDA Extended Master Plan

In 2011, HMDA has released the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Plan to cover an additional area of
5,965 sq. km. The HMDA Draft plan included many areas from Ranga Reddy, Medak, Nalgonda and
Mahaboobnagar districts. The total area of HMDA has been extended as mentioned below:

1. Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) : 5,018 sq.km

2. Outer Ring Road Growth Corridor :330 sq.km
3. Parts outside ORR of erstwhile HUDA : 432 sq.km
4. Erstwhile Hyderabad Airport Development Authority : 185 sq.km

According to the Plan, the Hyderabad Metropolitan Region extends to the following regions:

Toopran on North along the NH-7

Bhongir on the East along the NH-202
Chotuppal on South- East along NH-9
Yacharam on South along the Nagarjunasagar State Highway
Kandukur along the Srisailam State Highway
Shadnagar on South- West along the NH-7
Chevella and Aloor along the Vikarabad State Highway
Sangareddy (Medak Dist.) on the West along the NH-9
To summarize, here is a brief difference chart between GHMC and HUDA:

GHMC

A civic body to provide basic amenities to the population.

Formed in 2007 by increasing the jurisdiction of MCH

Functions:

1. Collection of Taxes
2. Civic Administration
3. Development of infrastructure in the city

HMDA

An authority for planning and development of metropolitan area

Formed in 2008 by merging HUDA, BPPA, HADA, CDA

Functions:

1. Giving approval for land utilisation for various purposes

2. Giving layout and building approvals
3. Preparing master plan for areas under its control and limits
4. Proposing and executing urban development projects directly or through local authorities