Science city, habitat centre planned in Hyderabad

A science city, a habitat centre, an eco park and an education hub are among some key projects planned for Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA).

The science city, proposed on 83 acres of land at tentative cost of Rs.160 crore, will comprise space station, earth pavilion, life sciences, energy park, science and art, technologies of future and centres of excellence.

Hyderabad Habitat Centre (HHC), proposed to come up on 11 acres, will be developed on the lines of India Habitat Centre. With an estimated cost of Rs.134 crore, the HCC will comprise visual art gallery, sculpture courts, artiplex theatres, learning centers, open air theatre, landscape gardens, convention facilities, theme parks and club house.

The state government accorded in principle approval of the project and Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under preparation.

The government Tuesday ratified the Metropolitan Development Plan-2031 for Hyderabad Metropolitan Region (HMR). At a meeting of HMDA, Chief Minister N. Kiran Kumar Reddy approved the development plan.

The plan was approved even as suspense continues over the status of Hyderabad amid demands by leaders from Rayalaseema and coastal Andhra regions that HMDA be declared a union territory or common capital of both Telangana and residuary state of Andhra Pradesh.

Leaders from Telangana, however, are demanding that Hyderabad should be capital of Telangana without any conditions.

The Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted by the centre is looking into various suggestions for Hyderabad

Out of the total HMDA area of 7,257 square km, the plan covers 5,985 square km in 35 'mandals' of four districts. The projected population of HMDA is 1.84 crore for 2031, said a statement from the chief minister's office.

HMDA has taken up development of eco park on 85 acres at Kothwalguda at estimated cost of Rs.60 crore. The project components include garden with rare, endangered and threatened species and endemic Flora, agro park and trails.

HMDA has also identified 2,857 lakes and water bodies for protection and conservation. Out of these protection, conservation and beautification of 258 lakes would be taken up during 2013-14.

The proposed Hyderabad Education Hub project will comprise complete ecology and infrastructure of education, focus on world-class graduate and postgraduate education, associated world-class infrastructure and facilities for participants and residents of the Hub.

HMDA has initiated Intelligent Transportation System (ITS) master plan for HMA, first of its kind in India. HMDA entered into an MoU with Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) in April, 2011 for preparation of ITS master plan and support for implementation of pilot project. JICA consultants last month submitted final draft of ITS master plan.