Hitec City

Hyderabad on Sunday (24th August) became the second largest city in India — in terms of geographical spread — and thus joined the elite league of metropolitan cities. With Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) replacing the Hyderabad Urban Development Authority (Huda), the state capital, which earlier enjoyed A1 status with a population of 75 lakhs spread across 725 sq. km of area, has now surpassed four other metros in terms of area: Mumbai (4,272 sq. km); Delhi (1,483 sq. km); Kolkata (1,425 sq. km) and; Chennai (1,167 sq. km).

A rendering of the upcoming Lanco Hills with its Signature tower

With a spread of 7,000 sq. km, Hyderabad is second only to Bengaluru, which is the largest metropolitan in India with an area of 8,000 sq. km. Apart from the 16 mandals of Hyderabad and 22 mandals of Ranga Reddy, 10 of the Medak district, four of Nalgonda and two mandals of the Mahbubnagar district have now come within the HMDA’s purview. The Chief Minister, Dr Y.S. Rajasekhar Reddy set the foundation stone for the HMDA central office near Hitex in Hyderabad on Sunday. While addressing the gathering, Dr Rajasekhar Reddy assured the residents of the twin cities that within the next four to five months, they will receive 24-hour piped water supply.

Statue of Buddha standing in the middle of Hussain Sagar lake

Dr Reddy said that the formation of the HMDA — by merging adjacent municipalities and villages with Hyderabad — has paved the way for the state capital’s development as a model metropolis. Several ministers and legislators also participated in the ceremony. The Huda vice-chairman, Mr K.S. Jawahar Reddy, has been appointed as HMDA metro commissioner.

News source: Deccan Chronicle

All pictures courtesy: Wikipedia & Skyscrapercity

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