Key facts :-

Hyderabad Metropolitan Area spreads over 1905 sq.km. The city has 7 million people. Additional one million people enter the city every day. The central core of the city -- only168 sq.km, holds 60 percent of the people and 70 percent of the jobs. Though the city’s air pollution shows arrested trend this Southern city is poised for vehicle explosion. Share of car trips is increasing steadily, taking away space from walkers and public transport users. Congestion has slowed down peak hour traffic. The city needs rapid mobility transition.

Air and mobility facts

Change makers

Policy action

1. Protect the rights of walkers

2. Public transport campaigns and public awareness

First generation action has taken roots. This has helped in arresting the rising trend in pollution. The city has yet to meet the clean air standards. Policy decisions and action so far in the city

Action on vehicles

1. The city has introduced Bharat Stage Euro IV norms for vehicles in 2010
2. Strengthened PUC system with new equipment and norms, networked PUC stations
3. Initiated LPG and CNG programme for vehicles

4. Installed pre-mix oil dispensers, restrictions on loose 2T oil sale

5. Andhra Pradesh State Road Transport Corporation using biodiesel B10

6. Multi-modal transport system: common ticketing for city buses and commuter trains,

7. Expanding fleet of semi/low floor buses;

8. Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) formed, city has begun the process to commence comprehensive mobility study

9. Attempts to discipline parking, card based parking system introduced

Action on other polluting sources:

• Industrial pollution control and notices for non-compliance

• Open burning of biomass and solid waste banned in municipal area

Protect the rights of walkers

Right to Walk Foundation: Right to Walk Foundation has placed pedestrian infrastructure and safety and social equity on the policy agenda of the state. It has focused advocacy on pedestrian safety, improvement of sidewalks pedestrian crossings, removal of encroachments from public sidewalks and maintenance of sidewalks in Hyderabad and Secundrabad.

The action: The Right to Walk Foundation (R2W) began with a footpath complaint filed with municipal authorities in 2005. The group is campaigning against parking on sidewalks and crossings, and for improvement in design of sidewalks. They organize rally, signature campaigns, study walks and seminars to raise awareness and put pressure. The group has recently made representation to the Andhra Pradesh State Human Rights Commission to intervene to check misuse of pavements. Responding to their petition, the commission has asked the municipal corporation to make footpaths pedestrian-friendly.

Key contact and website
Ms. Kathimathi Kannan
http://right2walk.com

Public transport campaigns and public awareness

Citizens for Better Public Transport in Hyderabad: It is a group of concerned citizens in Hyderabad who are part of the ‘Citizens for Better Public Transport in Hyderabad’. They are fighting against the city’s planned elevated Metro rail project and have suggested alternatives such as bus rapid transit system that are a more cost effective strategy to save capital cost per km and passenger fares. They are also looking at pedestrian access and multi-modal integration.

Contact: C Ramachandraiah (crchandraiah@gmail.com)
Professor, Centre for Economic and Social Studies, Hyderabad

Publication: Maytas, Hyderabad Metro and the Politics of Real Estate, January 17, 2009, Economic & Political Weekly

Forum for a Better Hyderabad: Forum For A Better Hyderabad was formed under the banner of ‘Hyderabad Bachao’ (Save Hyderabad), when some of the non-government organizations and citizens, concerned about environmental and developmental issues in and around Hyderabad city, came together on June 24, 2000 focuses to address the emerging issues in the city. They organize advocacy activities and mobilize public opinion to seek transparency in decision making.

The action: Active role in influencing the action plan for traffic and transportation management in Hyderabad Metropolitan Area that was prepared in response to the directive of the Andhra Pradesh High Court in 2004. The organisation works on urban transport, noise pollution, auto Pollution, and industrial pollution. They organize public awareness campaigns.

Key contact and website
M Vedakumar
www.hyderabadgreens.org

Citizens for Better Public Transport in Hyderabad

It is a group of concerned citizens led by Dr. C. Ramachandraiah, Professor, Center for Economic and Social Studies (CESS), Hyderabad who is also convener of ‘Citizens for Better Public Transport in Hyderabad’. This group has been fighting against the city’s planned elevated Metro rail project and has suggested alternatives such as BRTS, both in terms of capital cost per km and passenger fares.

Contact: C Ramachandraiah (crchandraiah@gmail.com)
Professor, Centre for Economic and Social Studies, Hyderabad