Telangana Unveils Plans for India's First Net-Zero City: Finance Minister
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Synopsis
The Telangana government is spearheading the creation of India’s first Net-Zero Future City, according to Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka. This sustainable urban project spans 765 square km and is designed to drive innovation and economic growth while enhancing infrastructure and public transport.
Key Takeaways
- Telangana plans India's first Net-Zero City.
- Project spans 765 square km across 56 villages.
- Features multimodal connectivity and electric transport.
- Includes specialized zones for AI, pharma, and clean energy.
- Government is enhancing urban infrastructure to manage growth.
Hyderabad, March 19 (NationPress) The Telangana government is at the forefront of establishing India’s inaugural Net-Zero Future City, setting a revolutionary benchmark in sustainable and smart urban development, stated Deputy Chief Minister and Finance Minister Mallu Bhatti Vikramarka on Wednesday.
"Crafted to compete with the world's leading cities, this eco-conscious, state-of-the-art urban center will boast advanced infrastructure, innovative technology, and a pollution-free atmosphere," he declared during his address while unveiling the state budget for 2025-26 in the Assembly.
Spanning an impressive area of 765 square km across 56 villages situated between the Srisailam and Nagarjuna Sagar highways, this groundbreaking mega-urban initiative is comprehensively designed to spur innovation and economic advancement, the Finance Minister elaborated.
“To facilitate its flawless implementation, the Future City Development Authority (FCDA) has been established. This next-generation city will be outfitted with multimodal connectivity, an electric public transport system, and eco-friendly buildings, promoting a sustainable and intelligent living ecosystem. Furthermore, it will incorporate specialized zones such as an AI City, Pharma Hub, Sports City, and Clean Energy Innovation Zone, positioning it as a global epicenter for technology, industry, and sustainable progress,” he added.
The Finance Minister noted that with Hyderabad undergoing rapid expansion, the government is executing the H-CITI plan to enhance urban infrastructure and adeptly manage escalating traffic congestion. "As the initial phase, we have commenced the construction of 31 flyovers, 17 underpasses, and 10 road expansion projects with a projected investment of Rs 7,032 crore. Beautification initiatives worth Rs 150 crore are also underway,” he said.
He further mentioned that Telangana is experiencing the fastest urbanization in India, propelled by the swift growth of IT sectors, infrastructure enhancements, and transformative governmental initiatives.
Beyond Hyderabad, the government is proactively developing tier-two cities like Warangal, Nizamabad, and Khammam. Warangal is being positioned as a center for education, healthcare, and IT, while Nizamabad and Khammam are evolving into significant hubs for agriculture-related industries and manufacturing.
Vikramarka announced the start of four sewage treatment plants (STPs) with a cumulative capacity of 20 MLD at Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs, ensuring effective wastewater management and enhanced water quality. "Moreover, under the Musi Riverfront Development Project, we are rejuvenating the Osman Sagar and Himayat Sagar reservoirs by replenishing them with Godavari water through the Godavari Drinking Water Supply Scheme. This effort aims to restore the ecological balance of these reservoirs while ensuring a sustainable water supply for future generations," he stated.
He asserted that for the first time in decades, the Water Board has initiated a comprehensive desilting and cleaning program to restore neglected manholes and sewer lines. As part of this initiative, 3,025 kilometers of sewer lines have been cleaned, and 2.39 lakh manholes have been de-silted. This extensive operation has resulted in a more than 25 percent decline in sewerage-related complaints, significantly enhancing urban sanitation, drainage efficiency, and public health, he added.
The Finance Minister unveiled that the state government has initiated SPEED (Smart, Proactive, Efficient, and Effective Delivery) to expedite the completion of 19 critical projects within the designated timeframe. This initiative emphasizes real-time monitoring, proactive implementation, and efficient resource allocation to ensure on-time delivery and maximize public benefits. Major projects under SPEED include the Musi Riverfront Development, Metro Rail expansion, Regional Ring Road construction, Telangana Bhavan construction in Delhi, the new Osmania Hospital building, and the execution of anti-narcotics strategies.
