City corporators want the GHMC to take over Nampally Sarai from the Hyderabad Metro Rail (HMR) to build a high rise commercial complex and generate revenue.
At the general body meeting on Tuesday, floor leaders of the main parties -- Singireddy Srinivas Reddy (TDP), Diddi Rambabu (Congress) and Mohd. Nazeeruddin (MIM), sought repossession of the dilapidated heritage site.
Their contention was that HMR had decided against using the site for an overhead station and an interlinking facility with the Nampally railway station following opposition from heritage activists. “The site has more than 5,000 sq yard space and the current value is about Rs.90 crore. How was such precious land given away for free?” asked Mr. Nazeeruddin.
Commissioner M.T. Krishna Babu said the Sarai, surrounding open land and nine other municipal properties were handed over to HMR in 2008 and if they were not utilising it, steps would be initiated to take it back.
He also ruled out imposing any tax or seeking any share in the revenue from the upcoming metro rail project as the concession agreement was signed and sealed. “However, HMR has to pay building permit fee and share advertisement revenue for exploiting the commercial spaces,” he said.
Compensation for evacuees
Listing out measures being planned to speed up remodelling of storm water drains, Mr. Babu said government permission was sought to pay compensation of Rs.10,000 for six months to families affected in removal of encroachments.
This would be in addition to enhanced structural compensation (Rs.900 sft) wherever 50 per cent property was affected.
“An action plan is being drawn up for the next four years to repair 15 minor drains at a cost of Rs.383 crore. This year we want to spend Rs.50-60 crore,” he said.
The Commissioner announced that the Rs.16.67 crore tenders for annual desilting of storm water drains would be finalised in a few days. Work would start from March 1 and be completed by April end.
