UFERWAS-TS

WHY DOES THE RWA AND CIVIL SOCIETY MOVEMENT NEED TO PERCOLATE TO THE GRASSROOTS? Yes, absolutely! The RWA and Civil Society movement must percolate to the grassroots level. It is essential for strengthening democracy and ensuring meaningful people’s participation in governance. Today, urban and rural planning in our country largely follows a Top-to-Bottom approach, wherein policies and decisions are formulated at higher levels, while citizens’ ground-level aspirations, concerns and priorities often remain unattended. This creates a missing link between the people and the government, making strong and independent RWAs and Civil Society Organisations indispensable. While maintaining cordial and constructive relationships with the government is important, it should not mean unconditional appreciation or silence on public issues. Unfortunately, some organisations, despite being aware of ground realities, tend to limit themselves to praising the government during deliberations. Constructive engagement must go hand in hand with constructive criticism and accountability. If everything is functioning satisfactorily and people’s aspirations are being addressed, why do we need the RWA and Civil Society movement at all? Its responsibility is to raise citizen-centric issues, question shortcomings and pursue solutions in the larger public interest. The movement must move beyond individual colony-level grievances and evolve into a coordinated grassroots people’s movement to implement the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in their true spirit, ensuring decentralised and participatory governance. It is unfortunate that even after more than 33 years since these Constitutional Amendments came into effect in March 1993, their intended framework of democratic decentralisation remains incompletely implemented. The need of the hour is to transform the RWA and Civil Society movement from a grievance-redressal platform into a proactive, independent and empowered people’s movement — a meaningful Fourth Tier of Governance. Let us work with the government, question it whenever necessary and always stand for the interests of the people. People’s participation is not a favour granted by the government; it is the foundation of participatory democracy. Sitaram Dhulipala @UFERWASTS @THECCCYBERBAD

STRENGTHENING RWAs AND CIVIL SOCIETY MOVEMENT Towards the Fourth Tier of Democratic Governance A National Vision for People's Participatory Governance India's democracy must move beyond periodic elections towards continuous people's participation in governance. Although the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments envisaged democratic decentralisation through Panchayati Raj Institutions and Urban Local Bodies, their implementation in true spirit remains incomplete. There is a significant missing link between people and governance. People's aspirations, neighbourhood-level issues and ground realities are often not adequately reflected in government policies, planning, budgeting and implementation. Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), their federations and civil society organisations provide an organised platform connecting citizens with public administration. They must evolve from grievance-redressal bodies into active partners in governance. Key Recommendations 1. Institutional Recognition: Recognise RWAs and civil society organisations as partners in participatory governance through a structured institutional framework. 2. Effective Decentralisation: Implement the 73rd and 74th Constitutional Amendments in their true spirit by devolving functions, funds and functionaries to local governments. 3. Strengthen Ward Committees: Make Ward Committees and Area Sabhas functional, representative and meaningful platforms for citizen participation. 4. Participatory Governance: Involve residents in local planning, budget priorities, policy consultations, public service monitoring and social audits. 5. National Policy Framework: The Government of India should formulate a comprehensive policy for adoption by States, institutionalising people's participation at the grassroots level. Our National Demand The objective is not to create a parallel administrative structure or undermine elected representatives, but to bridge the gap between people and government by making citizens active partners in democratic governance. Let the National Conference of RWAs at Keralam initiate a united national movement to establish the Fourth Tier of Participatory Governance, complementing the three existing tiers and strengthening democracy towards Viksit Bharat 2047. EMPOWER THE FOURTH TIER! BRIDGE THE GAP – STRENGTHEN DEMOCRACY! FROM PEOPLE'S PARTICIPATION TO PEOPLE'S GOVERNANCE! —Sitaram Dhulipala— @UFERWASTS @THECCCYBERBAD @MoHUA_India

SERIOUS ALLEGATIONS OVER GOVERNMENT LAND – SURVEY NO. 42, MANIKONDA JAGIR Serious concerns are emerging over approximately 1,450 square yards of land in Survey No. 42, Manikonda Jagir, adjacent to Panchavati Colony, with an estimated market value of around ₹45 crore. What is particularly alarming is that a portion of the land at the very same location, where Revenue Authorities had earlier erected a board explicitly identifying it as Government land, is now reportedly being claimed as private property. Even the Government land board has since been removed, raising serious questions about the circumstances surrounding this development. RTI applications submitted on 11.08.2026 to the MRO, Gandipet; Sub-Registrar, Vattinagulapally; Deputy Commissioner, Municipal Circle-45; and HMDA have reportedly received no response, despite expiry of the prescribed time limit. Why are all the concerned departments maintaining silence? This lack of response is fuelling public apprehensions about possible manipulation of revenue records, including changes in survey numbers, to alter the ownership status of Government land. Though different in scale, the circumstances are reminiscent of the Miyapur land scam. There is an urgent need for an independent Vigilance inquiry to examine the original revenue records, survey maps, mutation proceedings and registration history, and fix accountability for the failure to respond to the RTI applications. The Government must immediately intervene to protect the land and prevent further transactions or encroachments until its ownership is conclusively established. If the Government fails to act, concerned citizens may have no alternative but to seek judicial intervention. Government land is public wealth. Its protection, transparency and accountability cannot be compromised. @CollectorRRD @Comm_HYDRAA @HMDA_Gov @TelanganaCCLA @TelanganaCS @TGVIGENFO @CMC_Offcl @ZC_SLP @DCNarsingi #RDO Rajendra Nagar #MRO Gandipet #IGRS_Telangana

Integrating Road Runoff Harvesting into Urban Infrastructure for Groundwater Recharge The heavy downpours witnessed on 30th October 2026 once again exposed serious gaps in our urban water management. Huge volumes of rainwater runoff from roads and paved surfaces flowed into nearby sewerage networks and nalas without being effectively harvested for groundwater recharge. Across the CURE Region, comprising @CMC_Offcl (CMC), @MCMalkajgiri (MMC) and @CommissionrGHMC (GHMC), rapid urbanisation, concrete jungles and shrinking open spaces have drastically reduced the natural capacity of the ground to absorb rainwater. Although conventional Rainwater Harvesting (RWH) pits are useful, we need to go beyond the existing approach. Road runoff represents an enormous and largely untapped resource that can substantially improve groundwater levels. Climate change and increasingly erratic rainfall patterns, including El Niño-related weather influences, have made water security more challenging. Intense rainfall followed by prolonged dry spells and rainfall deficits contributes to groundwater depletion, drinking water shortages and agricultural distress. Our Proposals Urban infrastructure must be designed not merely for transportation and stormwater disposal but also as an integral part of groundwater conservation. Roadside Recharge Boreholes: Incorporate scientifically designed recharge boreholes at suitable intervals along roads to capture surface runoff and recharge underground aquifers. Recharge Facilities in Parks and Open Spaces: Establish adequate recharge boreholes and harvesting structures in parks, public open spaces and available government lands. Stormwater from adjoining roads and neighbourhoods should be channelled towards these locations instead of allowing precious rainwater to flow directly into sewerage networks and nalas. Integration at Design Stage: Make stormwater harvesting and groundwater recharge integral components of road planning and design, rather than treating them as post-construction additions. Technical Guidelines: Take up the matter with the @irc_delhi (IRC), @MORTHIndia (MoRTH) @NHAI_Official and State Roads & Buildings (R&B) Department to formulate appropriate technical standards and make such provisions part of road infrastructure specifications. Pilot Projects: Initiate pilot projects across CMC, MMC and GHMC to measure the quantum of runoff harvested and assess improvements in groundwater levels. Scientific Safeguards: Ensure proper filtration, silt traps, water-quality testing and hydrogeological studies before diverting runoff into recharge boreholes to prevent contamination and damage to aquifers. @HMDA_Gov @TelanganaCS @TelanganaCMO Conclusion We cannot afford to allow precious rainwater to flow away during heavy downpours while struggling for drinking water during prolonged dry spells. Every road, park and available open space should become an opportunity for groundwater recharge. It is time to shift from conventional stormwater disposal to integrated stormwater harvesting and groundwater replenishment. This must become an essential component of sustainable urban infrastructure and climate-resilient city planning. The concerned municipal corporations and government departments should jointly take up this initiative and approach IRC, MoRTH and R&B for incorporating these provisions into future road designs and infrastructure projects.@ZC_SLP @MDHMWSSB @THECCCYBERBAD @UFERWASTS By Sitaram Dhulipala

On behalf of Manikonda Praja Ikya Vedika, we sincerely thank the @CMC_Offcl Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC), @ZC_SLP Zonal Commissioner (ZC), and all concerned officers and staff for opening the road connectivity between TRAILS Villas and Panchavati Colony, and similarly between Kanakadurgamma Temple and Panchavati Colony, for the benefit of commuters which were very long pending. @DCNarsingi We further request the authorities to expedite the remaining road connectivity works: Panchavati Colony, Road No. 10 to Malkam Cheruvu. Vijetha Super Market to Chitrapuri Box Drain Road. Completion of these road links will provide alternative routes, ease traffic congestion on major roads, and significantly reduce commuting difficulties for residents. We appreciate the positive response of CMC and look forward to the early completion of these pending works in the larger public interest. @TelanganaCS @sjaju1 Manikonda Praja Ikya Vedika

Date: October 29, 2026 To: The Commissioner, Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC), Telangana.@CMC_Offcl Copy to: The Zonal Commissioner, Serilingampally Zone, CMC. @ZC_SLP The Managing Director, HMWSSB. @MDHMWSSB Subject: Urgent request to divert stormwater from the 40-foot road into public parks for groundwater recharge instead of discharging it into the sewage-filled Pandenvagu Nala Respected Madam /Sirs, We wish to draw your urgent attention to the ongoing stormwater drain construction along the 40-foot road, from Ambiance Courtyard in Tanasha HUDA Colony to Pandenvagu Nala in Employees Colony under @DCNarsingi . As claimed by the Engineering Staff of CMC, the drain is being constructed to discharge stormwater directly into Pandenvagu Nala. We request the Corporation to reconsider this approach and explore diverting the rainwater into the public parks in Tanasha HUDA Colony and Employees Colony for groundwater recharge. Manikonda is already witnessing severe groundwater depletion and recurring summer water scarcity. The anticipated El Niño effect further raises concerns about rainfall variability and water availability. At a time when HMWSSB is taking steps to collect and utilise treated water from STPs, it is equally important to conserve natural rainwater rather than allow valuable stormwater to flow into the sewage-filled Pandenvagu Nala. We therefore request CMC to urgently examine the feasibility of: Diverting stormwater into the nearby public parks through suitable gravity-fed connections. Establishing rain gardens, retention ponds and recharge pits, with adequate silt traps and filtration systems. Modifying the ongoing drain design, wherever technically feasible, to maximise groundwater recharge and reduce the avoidable discharge of clean stormwater into the polluted nala. As construction is already in progress, an immediate technical review could facilitate these modifications at minimum additional cost. We request your urgent intervention to ensure that this infrastructure project promotes sustainable water management, replenishes groundwater reserves and safeguards Manikonda against future water scarcity. Yours faithfully, Sitaram Dhulipala Founding Chairman @THECCCYBERBAD & President @UFERWASTS

CLOSURE OF PUBLIC ROADS IN NORTH SECUNDERABAD CANTONMENT: GENUINE CONCERNS OF CITIZENS The repeated closure of public roads in the North Secunderabad Cantonment area has caused serious hardship to residents, commuters, employees, students, patients and businesses. These roads are vital connectivity routes, and their closure forces people to take longer detours, increasing travel time, traffic congestion, fuel expenditure and emergency response delays. Citizens have a legitimate right to seek transparency, accountability and a lasting resolution. While national security and the operational requirements of the Armed Forces must be respected, restrictions on public roads should have a clear legal basis, transparent justification and due consideration of public convenience and feasible alternatives. The following concerns demand urgent attention: Legal authority and accountability: Under what legal authority are these roads being closed repeatedly, and what orders or approvals justify the restrictions? Public inconvenience: Why must citizens endure prolonged detours and daily hardship when these routes are essential for local connectivity? Government responsibility: Why has the issue not been resolved through effective coordination between the State Government and Defence authorities? National-level intervention: The Ministry of Defence, Army Headquarters and other competent authorities should review the closures and examine whether the restrictions are necessary and proportionate. Immediate stakeholder consultation: The Military authorities @MinofDefIndia @RakshaSampada , Municipal Commissioner (MMC) @MCMalkajgiri , Special Chief Secretary, Municipal Administration and Urban Development (MA&UD) @jayesh_ranjan , and Chief Secretary of Telangana @TelanganaCS must interact immediately with all stakeholders, including affected residents and citizen representatives, to arrive at a mutually acceptable, time-bound and lasting resolution to the repeated closure of roads. Practical solutions: Regulated access, appropriate security arrangements and phased reopening should be explored wherever feasible without compromising genuine security requirements. Our demands are clear: Reopen public roads wherever legally and operationally feasible; disclose the reasons and legal basis for continued restrictions; initiate immediate high-level stakeholder consultations; and establish a time-bound action plan to prevent repeated closures and resolve the issue permanently. National security and citizens’ mobility need not be opposing interests. Through constructive dialogue, appropriate security safeguards and accountable governance, a balanced solution can be achieved. Public roads must serve the public interest. Citizens deserve transparency, accountability and justice. @NewBolarum

TAX RELIEF FOR RESIDENT WELFARE ASSOCIATIONS (RWAs) If political parties receive specific tax exemptions for qualifying activities serving democratic purposes, a similar principle of fairness should be considered for Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs), which serve the collective welfare of residential communities. @nsitharaman @FinMinIndia RWAs are non-commercial, non-profit-oriented bodies that manage common amenities such as water supply, sanitation, security, parks and other essential facilities through residents’ contributions. Treating them like commercial service providers can unnecessarily increase the financial burden on households. The Government should introduce a simplified, highly relaxed tax framework for RWAs, with appropriate exemptions and concessions for member-funded maintenance, while distinguishing genuine commercial activities from community welfare functions. The objective is to recognise the non-commercial character of RWAs, strengthen community self-governance and reduce the financial burden on urban residents. Community welfare should be facilitated, not penalised through an inappropriate commercial tax burden. @Bhatti_Mallu @TelanganaCMO @UFERWASTS @THECCCYBERBAD

ORR SAFETY AT STAKE: IRB AND HGCL MUST WAKE UP! At around 10:15 PM on 25 October 2026, numerous heavy trucks were parked along the Outer Ring Road (ORR), beyond the Shamshabad point towards Gachibowli. Heavy trucks were also moving across all lanes instead of keeping to the left, creating potential hazards for other road users. Who is responsible for ensuring road safety on the ORR? IRB, the toll-operating company, is expected to fulfil its contractual obligations, including the prescribed patrolling and road-safety services. HGCL, as the monitoring agency, must ensure that these obligations are properly implemented. If trucks are parked dangerously and heavy vehicles occupy all lanes, where are the patrol vehicles? Why is HGCL not ensuring effective monitoring and accountability? Is the contract merely for toll collection, or does it also mean responsibility for road safety and service delivery? Authorities must act proactively rather than wake up only after an accident claims lives. IRB must explain its lapses, and HGCL must enforce contractual accountability. #IRB Infrastructure Developers Ltd and #HGCL @md_hgcl — WAKE UP BEFORE ANOTHER ACCIDENT HAPPENS! @HMDA_Gov @CYBTRAFFIC

SAVE BULKAPUR NALA – SAVE MANIKONDA! Our nearby waterbodies are choking due to encroachments, siltation and obstruction of natural water flows, contributing to groundwater depletion. In some areas, borewells are drilled to depths of nearly 2,000 feet to access water. El Niño and erratic rainfall could further aggravate the crisis. Reviving Bulkapur Nala is essential and achievable. It can restore natural water flows, improve groundwater recharge and help reduce future flood risks. Let us unite and demand immediate action from the authorities before this vital water channel disappears under encroachments. Protect Nature Today to Secure Manikonda’s Future! Bulkapur Nala Parirakshana Samithi @Comm_HYDRAA @ZC_SLP @CMC_Offcl @CollectorRRD @DCNarsingi

Panchavati Colony RWA highlighting about scarcity and saving of water and advises not to misuse.

To The Commissioner Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC), Telangana. @CMC_Offcl @ZC_SLP Subject: Urgent Inquiry into Building Permissions Granted on Alleged Government Land in Survey No. 42, Manikonda Jagir Madam, Repeated complaints have been made regarding government land in Survey No. 42, adjacent to Panchavati Colony, Ward No. 127, Manikonda. It is understood that building permissions were reportedly granted despite complaints concerning the disputed identification of Survey Nos. 41 and 42. A signboard identifying the land as government property has reportedly existed for the past 15 years. Further, in April 2026, the Deputy Commissioner, Narsingi, reportedly removed encroachments and erected a government signboard at the same location. Despite these circumstances, the Town Planning Department reportedly granted building permissions. Moreover, our RTI application to the Deputy Commissioner, Narsingi @DCNarsingi , seeking relevant information remains unanswered beyond the prescribed time limit. I request CMC to order an urgent investigation by the Vigilance and Enforcement Department @TGVIGENFO and Telangana ACB @TelanganaACB , verify the land ownership and survey boundaries, examine the circumstances under which permissions were granted, fix accountability for any violations, and protect the land against further encroachment or construction pending verification. Yours sincerely, Sitaram Dhulipala Founding Chairman @THECCCYBERBAD @CollectorRRD #RDO Rajendra Nagar #MRO Gandipet @HMDA_Gov @Comm_HYDRAA