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CHAPTER - III

HYDERABAD AND ITS ENVIRONS

3.1 ORIGIN OF HYDERABAD

Hyderabad is the successor of the fortress town of Golconda whose

ruins are found at the extreme West of the city on the North bank of

river Musi. This fortress city was the Capital of the Kingdom of

Golconda from its inception in 1510 A.D.

Hyderabad, the capital of Andhra Pradesh, was founded as Civil

capital in the year 1591 on the South bank of the Musi four miles

East of Golconda by Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah, the fifth sultan of

Qutb Shahi dynasty. Quli Qutub Shah seized the reins of power from

the Bahamani kingdom in 1512 and established the fortress city of

Golconda. Inadequacy of water and frequent epidemics of plague and

cholera persuaded Mohammed Quli Qutub Shah to venture outward

to establish new city with the Charminar at its centre and with four

great roads fanning out four cardinal directions. Hyderabad's fame,

strategic location and Golconda's legendary wealth attracted

Aurangazeb who captured Golconda after a long seize in 1687. After

this defeat the importance of Hyderabad declined and the city fell into

partial ruins. As the Moghul Empire decayed and began to

disintegrate, the viceroy, Asaf Jah I proclaimed himself the Nizam and

established independence rule of the Deccan. Hyderabad once again

became a major capital city, ruled by successive Nizams of the Asaf

Jahi dynasty until the State was merged into Indian Union in 1948.

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`In 1798, a subsidiary alliance for military and political

cooperation was signed between the Nizam and the British East India

Company. Thereafter, an area north of what is now the Hussain Sagar

was established as a cantonment. The area was named Secunderabad

after the then Nizam, Sikander Jah.

In the year 1869, Sir Salar Jung-I the then Nizam has

constituted the Department of Municipal and Road Maintenance and

a Municipal Commissioner was appointed for Hyderabad Board and

Chadarghat Board. These two Boards were amalgamated in the year

1933 into a Corporation and given statutory status under the

Hyderabad Municipal Act. In 1950, two separate corporations were

created under the Hyderabad Corporation Act, 1950, one for the city

of Hyderabad and another for the city of Secunderabad. These two

Corporations were again merged into a single Corporation - Municipal

Corporation of Hyderabad.

3.2 STAGES IN THE GROWTH OF HYDERABAD AND

SECUNDERABAD

The development of the urban complex of Hyderabad – Secunderabad

can be conveniently classified under nine historical stages:-

i. The Qutb Shahi Stage (or) First Twin City Stage -1591 -1687

ii. The Transitional Phase -1688 -1725

iii. The Early Asaf Jahi Period -1725 -1799

iv. The Second Twin City Stage -1799 -1874

v. The Railway Stage -1875 -1908

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vi. The Pre-Capital formation Stage -1908 -1956

vii. The Developing Stage -1956 -1985

viii. The Modern or Metropolitan Stage -1986 -2000

ix. The IT Revolution Stage -2001 onwards

These stages indicate the occurrence of a significant political event or

the introduction of new economic factors having a marked influence

on the forms and functions of the twin cities.

3.2.1 THE QUTB SHAHI STAGE (OR) THE FIRST TWIN CITY

STAGE (1591-1687)

Hyderabad city was planned on a grid pattern consisting of two main

roads, running East–West and North–South and intersecting at

Charminar, the city centre. It is thus formed four “Quarters” of its four

quartets, the North–Western was set apart for royal place palaces and

state offices, and the North-Eastern for the residences of the nobles.

Hyderabad rapidly outshone the fortress town of Golconda and

became the nerve centre of the Kingdom, directing its administrative,

intellectual, cultural and commercial activities. This city’s growth

continued E-W along the commercial highway of the Kingdom until

1687. It was suddenly halted by annexation of the Kingdom to the

Moghul Empire. The first Twin City phase (Hyderabad – Golconda)

ended with the collapse of the Kingdom and the subsequent

abandonment of Golconda fort.

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3.2.2 THE TRANSITIONAL PHASE (1687-1725)

This period began with a halt in the active life and growth of the city.

The seat of authority was shifted from Hyderabad to Aurangabed, the

Southern headquarters of Moghul Empire. Towards the end of 1725

Nizam Mulk Asaf Jah founded the Asaf Jahi Dynasty of Hyderabad

and took firm control of the Deccan & the Hyderabad city.

3.2.3 THE EARLY ASAF JAHI PERIOD (1725-1798)

This period is characterized by two distinct phases, one of inhibition

(1725–1763), and the other of acceleration (1763–1798).The period of

inhibition was one of the great economic stress and strain for

Hyderabad because Aurangabad was still the capital and many

wealthy feudal land lords had migrated to Aurangabad. The death of

Asaf Jahi I in 1748 and the Anglo – French struggle for supremacy

over Deccan (1750-1760) renewed political uncertainty which

adversely affected Hyderabad’s growth. There was no sub-urban

expansion and mansions of the nobles were largely deserted and in

ruins.

The phase of acceleration started in 1763, when the Viceroy or

the Nizam of the Deccan, Nizam Ali Khan (1761-1796) shifted his head

quarters to Hyderabad. Hyderabad thus re-emerged as the Chief City

of the Deccan after an eclipse of seventy six years. As a result of this

decision, the nobles of the court and their retainers also returned to

Hyderabad from Aurangabad and thus the increase of land revenue,

commerce and city building were greatly stimulated.

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3.2.4 THE SECOND TWIN CITY STAGE (1798-1874)

In 1798 two significant political decisions profoundly altered the

course of the city’s development. In the first instance the subsidiary

alliance of the Nizam with the East India Company in 1798 created

Secunderabad and consequently ushered in second phase of the

development of Hyderabad through with settlements and, secondly,

the Nizam’s permission for the construction of the British Residency

on the North bank changed the trend of the Hyderabad’s growth.

3.2.5 THE RAILWAY PERIOD (1874-1908)

The inception of the Railway in the twin cities led to a considerable

growth, much of it oriented to the Railway stations, goods yards,

associated ware house areas and industrial regions. From Bombay,

the Railway line spanning Hyderabad and Secunderabad in 1874 was

extended to Madras via Warangal in 1898. Regionally the Railways

made a tremendous difference by transferring the trade of Hyderabad

from Machilipatnam to Bombay and Madras. They accelerated the

Northward expansion of Hyderabad, assisted the industrial

development of the two cities, and reinforced the commercial

importance and compact development of Secunderabad.

There were no modern industries in either city before 1874, but

a few years later, a couple of Railway workshops were established in

Secunderabad and four factories sprung up towards South and East

of Hussain Sagar. These became the nuclei of new settlements.

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Secunderabad’s wholesale & retail business considerably expanded

during this period.

3.2.6 THE MODERN (OR) METROPOLITAN STAGE (1908-1956)

The modern area of the twin settlements and their fusion into a great

metropolis followed a characteristic flood which dislocated life in

Hyderabad. The flood of 28th September, 1908 was subsequently

followed by events of economic & political significance which changed

the social, cultural, political & economic structure of the twin cities.

Sri M. Visveshvarayya the great Engineer statesman advised the then

Government both on the flood control measures and city

improvements. As a first stop towards the development of the city, the

City Improvement Board was constituted in the year 1912 and greater

attention was given to the provision of roads, markets, shopping

centres and housing facilities. Several Public utility services such as

protected water supply, electricity and sewage schemes, telephone

system, rail and air links etc., have added to the physical growth of

the city. Subsequently after the formation of Andhra Pradesh,

Hyderabad has experienced tremendous growth. Many industries have

sprung up and numerous housing colonies have developed. Most of

the Developed parts of the city have become multi-functional in

character.

3.2.7 THE DEVELOPING STAGE (1956-1985)

Hyderabad is constructed as Capital of Andhra Pradesh from 1st

November, 1956. Hyderabad is an important metropolitan centers of

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India and primate city of Andhra Pradesh. Its importance has grown

as a metropolitan centre of the country for highly specialized and

advanced medical and educational services. It has 4 universities viz.,

Osmania, Jawaharlal Nehru Technological, Agricultural and Central

University. Besides there are number of colleges and technical

institutes offering practical training in Engineering and allied areas. It

has advanced research and training centers of National and

International Importance in Chemistry, Geophysics, Nutrition,

Electronics, Public Enterprise, American studies, Rural Development,

small industries Forensic Medicine, Banking, personnel Management

and survey and Photogrammetry. It is the headquarter of the State

Bank of Hyderabad and the Andhra Bank, and the regional

headquarters of the State Bank of India. The head-quarters of South

Central Railway are located here.

Besides Railway lines, quite a few National and State Highways

originate from Hyderabad. The Metropolitan Area of Hyderabad has a

number of large scale units. Among the Public sector Units mention

may be made of HMT, HAL, IDPL, HCL, ECIL, NFC, NRSC, CCMB,

NIN, IDL, BHEL, Survey of India etc. There are a few joint sector units

promoted by the APIDC in Hyderabad like Indo Nippon Precision

Bearings and State managed units like Hyderabad Allwyn Metal

Works. Some of the Important Units in the Private Sector are Sri Rani

Refrigeration, Hyderabad Asbestos cement works and Warner

Hindustan etc.,

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In view of its strategic location the defense establishments such as

DRDL, BDL, Hakimpet defense air port station, Dindigul air base etc

have been established. Thus, the city of Hyderabad has its own

importance in various fields.

3.2.8 THE PRE-IT REVOLUTION STAGE (1986-2000)

Hyderabad witnessed growth of public sector enterprises. Numerous

organizations set up base and attracted people to come and settle

down in Hyderabad. The presence of defense related organisations

continued to ensure the cosmopolitan nature of the Hyderabad

society. Post liberalization and the advent of the STPI policy,

Hyderabad became a nerve centre of IT related activities. A large

number of people from the AP state were settled in the USA and

Europe and enabled the possibility of outsourcing.

The population grew steadily between these periods and Hyderabad

city become one of the important cities of India in terms of size and

contribution. The pool of talent in Andhra Pradesh and especially in

Hyderabad provided steady supply of professionals. Hyderabad was

already an established centre of education and learning and was ready

to take on the IT revolution.

3.2.9 THE TRI-CITY STAGE HYDERABAD-SECUNDERABAD-

CYBERABAD (2001 ONWARDS)

The development of HITECH City led to the formation of Cyberabad

City. This has brought in the largest multinationals to set up base in

Hyderabad and the spurt of private enterprises was supported by

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appropriate government policies and provision of land and

infrastructure. Large number of Software training institutes sprung

up and provided the large manpower to these companies which

connected to the global economy and in turn rejuvenated the local

economy of Hyderabad. The city grew in leaps and bounds during this

decade. the civic agencies were faced with complex urban challenges.

Highlights of this period are the development of the International

Airport, Financial District, Outer Ring Road and the expressways.

Hyderabad had a new face and had become known as the global

city as expatriates thronged the city and made it their home and work

place. New areas were developed and inhabited by the new population.

The formation of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation has

been constituted in view of the rapid development of Hyderabad and

its surroundings. Hyderabad had become a Metropolis and one of the

cities in India with a global reckoning.

3.3 LOCATION & IMPORTANCE

Hyderabad City is situated in the river Musi and Krishna basin, which

is a tributary of river Krishna, passes through the city and bifurcates

it into Northern and Southern Hyderabad. It is situated between

78022’30” & 78032’30” east longitude & between 17018’30” &

17028’30” north latitude. The ground levels vary from 487 meters to

610 meters above mean sea level.

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Figure 3.1 Showing Location & Base Map of MCH

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3.4 AREA & DEMOGRAPHY

Hyderabad is the sixth largest city in the urban agglomeration in

India. The Urban Agglomeration consists of the Municipal Corporation

of Hyderabad (MCH) (172 sq.km), surrounding 12 municipalities

which are now merged with Greater Hyderabad Municipal

Corporation, Secunderabad Cantonment, Osmania University and

other areas. The urban agglomeration population has increased from

4.3 million in 1991 to 5.7 million in 2001. This was more than 50 %

during 1981-91 and 27% during 1991-2001. The population details of

urban agglomeration and other constituents are given in the table 3.1

below.

Table 3.1 Hyderabad Urban Agglomeration - Population Trends

COMPONENT AREA

(SQ KM)

POPULATION

(LAKHS)

DENSITY

(2001)

1981 1991 2001 (p/sq.km)

Municipal

Corporation of

Hyderabad

172 21.0 30.5 36.3 21048

12-

Municipalities 419 3.8 9.9 17 4102

Others 187 2.3 3.2 4 2147

HUA 778 27.1 43.6 57.5 7393

HUDA 1905 29.9 46.7 63.8 3351

Source: Census of India, 2001

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3.5 FUTURE GROWTH

The population growth rates seen during 1991 and 2001 will continue

in future though at a lesser rate. The population projections in the

urban agglomeration indicate that the metropolitan area would house

a population of 90.55 lakhs in 2011 and 136.44 lakhs in 2021 as

shown in table 3.2.

Table 3.2 Population Projections

Component Area

(sq.km)

Total Population

(in lakhs)

Density (Population / sq. km)

2001 2005 2011 2021 2001 2005 2011 2021

Municipal

Corporation of

Hyderabad

172 36.3 39.1 43.3 51.7 21048 22733 25116 29977

12-Surrounding

municipalities 419 17 21.8 28.9 50.9 4102 5193 6926 12151

Others 187 4 4.4 5 6.3 2147 2353 2692 3391

HUA 778 57.5 65.4 77.2 108.9 7393 8404 9923 13997

HUDA 1905 63.8 74.5 90.5 136.4 3351 3910 4753 7162

3.6 CLIMATE

The climate of Hyderabad is fairly equitable. The previous data for a

period of 50 years shows that the daily mean maximum temperature

varies from a minimum of 11.60 C during the month of December to

450C in the month of April and temperature of Hyderabad ranges from

220C, 430C, 330C, 27.50C in January, May, August & November

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respectively. The Average minimum and maximum temperature vary

between 70C & 100C and between 400C and 440C, respectively.

The rainfall is received mainly from the southwest monsoon

from the month of June to October, amounting to 125 mm on an

average.

3.7 WIND DIRECTION

Sky clearance factor is 50 to 70 except in rainy season, which is above

20. Wind direction is mostly from southwest. The wind speed ranges

5.15, 10.3, 13.84 and 6.92kms per hour in January, May, August and

November respectively. Evaporation rate is about 250cms per year.

3.8 GEOLOGY

Hyderabad is surrounded by scattered granite hills with a height of 61

to 91 metres. The district is situated on grey and pink rocks-among

the world’s oldest. Maula Ali, the Golconda Rock and the Black Rock

at Tirumalgherry are some of the hills in the city. There are two small

hillocks In the heart of the city known as Naubatpahad and

Kalapahad on which Birla Planetarium and Marble Temple of Lord Sri

Venkateswara respectively were constructed.

Hyderabad is located on the hilly plateau of Archacean

crystalline rocks. It is centrally located in the Deccan, command the

vale of the Musi, a tributary of Krishna. The city occupies an

undulating valley plain 488m-518m (1600 – 1700 ft), above sea level.

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The horizon is seen by a continuous crest of hummocky granite hills

rising above 122m(400 ft). above the city.

Secunderabad is located on a ridge 15m(50ft). higher than

Hyderabad about 10km (6 miles) on North. There are irregular ranges

of low hills rising to 45.7m-91.5m(150 to 300 ft). long and narrow

intersecting quartz and dolerite dykes, decomposed masses of logging

stones and many tanks surrounding the twin cities.

3.9 VEGETATION

Due to the general hot and dry climate of the city, the vegetation of the

exhibits xerophytic adaptations. The forests have disappeared due to

rapid urbanization. There is no space for developing forests since the

district is urbanized.

During the beginning of 19th century, the district with its low

scrubby jungles was home of leopards, bears, hyenas and occasionally

tigers while in the more open plains the antelope was found in plenty.

The ruling family of erstwhile Hyderabad State exclusively for

enjoyment of the nobles used do lot of hunting game in these areas.

3.10 FAUNA

There is a famous Nehru Zoological Park spread over 300 Acres in

Hyderabad and it has been planned to have large moated enclosures.

There is more than one thousand animals and birds housed, in

comparative freedom and in surroundings, almost resembling their

natural habitat. In addition to Indian animals, foreign fauna is

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represented by the red kangaroos, giraffes, Zebras, hippos, ostriches,

chimpanzees, fallow deer of Europe and black swans in the zoo park.

Lion Safari (first in South East Asia), crocodile rearing and Natural

History Museum are some of the attractions in the park. Mir Alam

tank which is adjoining the zoo park has been developed into a

charming drive lake for the visitors. In the zoo prehistoric animal

park, ancient life museum, natural history museum, lion safari park

is some of the attractions.

3.11 URBAN ENVIRONMENT

There is rapid growth of Hyderabad and due to this the urban

environmental problems are increasing due to the growth of

unsustainable economic activities, increase in vehicular transport,

and lack of public transport system and inadequate provision of basic

infrastructure such as water supply, sewerage.

Due to this rapid growth, the air and noise pollution, depleting

ground water and contamination of water bodies and lakes,

destruction of natural and man made resources of cultural value and

improper management of domestic and industrial effluents are the

most important to be tackled immediately.

The following report gives the analysis of the urban environmental

problems of Hyderabad.

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3.11.1 Air Pollution

Due to growth of vehicular population, air pollution is increasing every

day in Hyderabad as shown in table 3.3. It is observed that an average

decadal growth of almost 9% during 1991-2001. The number of

vehicles has grown from 0.5million to more than a million during this

period. As per the Andhra Pradesh Pollution Control Board

estimations about 691 tonnes of air pollutants emitted every day. CO

has a share of 392 tonnes, HC 240 tonnes, NOX 44 tonnes, SO2 6

tonnes, and SPM 10 tonnes and lead 0.162 tonnes. These levels are

increasing over the period. Oxides of Nitrogen (NOX) levels have

reached to its maximum levels. Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM)

levels are well above the Indian Standards since 1990.

Table 3.3: Air Quality Status at Selected Locations

Location

Average Values Maximum Values Minimum Values

TSP

M

RSP

M

No

x

SO

2

TSP

M

RSP

M

No

x

SO

2

TSP

M

RSP

M

No

x

SO

2

Abids 251 116 45 12 406 169 65 22 175 76 25 8

Punjagut

ta 271 128 53 12 452 161 84 17 185 84 34 8

Paradise 279 132 53 9 387 181 88 13 199 92 34 6

Charmin

ar 426 161 67 11 635 205

12

3 17 268 117 41 8

Zoo Park 162 79 19 8 244 112 48 12 73 35 6 3

Source: APPCB 2001

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3.11.2 Water Pollution

There are number of natural and water bodies formed because of the

undulating topography of Hyderabad and its surroundings. There are

numerous tanks, meant for irrigation and drinking purposes. They

have become the major sources of water supply. Some of the major

water bodies are:

3.11.3 Musi River

Musi River, rises in the Ananthagiri hills near Vikarabad, on the west

of the city. It flows towards east, passing through the middle of

Hyderabad City, into Nalgonda district where it joins the Krishna River

near Vadapalle. Two major reservoirs "Osmansagar across Musi and

Himayatsagar across Esi, Musi’s tributary” are situated at a distance

of 19.31 and 9.66 Kms respectively. They are the major sources of

water supply to the City.

The waste water of Hyderbad about 850 MLD are discharged

into the River Musi through 64 sewage outlets making the river. Water

quality analysis in Musi indicates the TDS range between 600 to 1000

mg/l and the COD ranges from 134 to 350 mg/l. The majority of the

dissolved solids are inorganic in nature and are bio-accumulative and

toxic which can have long-term impacts on health. The pH values are

higher than 7.5 indicating the alkaline nature of the water body.

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3.12 URBAN LAKES

Hyderabad and its hinterland had about 532 lakes. But at present

there are only 400 lakes left, of which 169 are more than 25 acres.

During 1912-1929 the early storm water system had 48 flood

absorbing tanks. Due to uncontrolled and rapid urbanization, many

water bodies have disappeared, most of them have been converted into

housing colonies by reclamation and others shrunk in size. There are

about 169 natural water bodies, which have more than 10 Acres of

water spread area within HUDA area and they are notified for

protection. The water quality in the lakes is degraded due to the

discharge of the effluents of industries located in the vicinity without

any treatment. The Water bodies are grouped in two categories based

on their pollution levels and spread of water. The Category I lakes are

large in size and requires attention for immediate treatment. The

sewage and sullage flows into these lakes from the surrounding

structures. Some of these are partly encroached and partly under the

legal title (patta).

Many these lakes are spread with water hyacinth and weeds

which reduces the water spread to 30% or less of its original rating.

Due to the pollution of these lakes, the underground water is

contaminated. During rainy season, the flooding into dwelling units is

common phenomenon. Bad and foul smell is a constant feature.

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Hussain Sagar Lake situated in the middle of the city, was a drinking

water source during olden days. This lake was polluted due to

discharge of untreated industrial effluents from north of the city and

domestic sewerage carried by the nalas en-route. Ground water

samples near to Hussain Sagar revealed higher levels of toxic metals

like Lead, Cadmium, Zinc, Nickel etc. The water holding capacity of

this Hussain sagar tank is decreased drastically due to shrinkage of

water spread and siltation.

3.13 URBAN GREENERY

There are number of initiatives to improve the existing greenery in the

city and also in the institutional lands, community lands, residential

colonies and green belts along the roadways. The following are some

such initiatives.

1. Afforestation of degraded wastelands

2. Development of vegetation in institutional and open-access

lands

3. Growing Nurseries/homestead planting and agro-forestry

4. Residential Colonies plantations

5. Growing greenbelt along roadways

6. Development of Colony Parks & Open Spaces

7. Development of Lake Parks

8. Developmkent of Driveway parks and walkway Gardens:

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3.14 HERITAGE BUILDINGS

Hyderabad is a historical place. The city has many archaeological,

historical, educational and recreational places of interest and is a

tourist’s paradise. Some of the important archaeological and

historical places include,

� Golconda Fort,

� Qutb Shahi Tombs,

� Char Minar,

� Mecca Masjid

� Falaknuma Palace

� High Court

� Osmania General Hospital Buildings

� Salar Jung Museum