To make Hyderabad a global city

Telangana, first state in the country to involve citizens in better urban planning

The Telangana State would see its citizens take part in shaping the ‘Smart Cities’/‘Cities for All’ of the country and, possibly, the world. As part of the preparation for the 11th Metropolis World Congress (MWC) 2014, to be held in the city from October 7 to 10, the Government of Telangana, the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the Metropolis World Congress and the Indian School of Business (ISB) would host Hyderabad Urban Hackathon.

The announcement was made by IT minister KT Rama Rao in the presence of GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar and Special Commissioner (systems and projects) A Babu at Hotel Haritha Plaza on Tuesday.

The theme of the Hackathon is ‘Social Innovation with Digital Technology’ and is open to online submissions of entries from participants on or before 11.59 pm on September 19. Microsoft is collaborating with Hyderabad Urban Hackathon by providing mentorship and technical support.

Commenting on the initiative, KTR said, “The Urban Hackathon is an initiative to make Urban Planning more inclusive and invite innovative solutions from a larger participatory base to amplify the overall objective of enriching the dialogue of ‘Cities for All’ for the benefit of inhabitants of the cities around the world.”

GHMC Commissioner Somesh Kumar said, “It is a proud moment for brand Hyderabad as we are taking the lead in making Smart Cities a reality -- this first-of-its-kind initiative is also a reflection of our intent to make Hyderabad into a global city. The word ‘hackathon’ was decided after ‘hack’ and ‘marathon’. People proficient in technology and who work for hours could come up with solutions for civic problems.”

The Hackathon is inviting entries from citizens to submit their innovative concepts which should be a technological solution in any of the 17 focus areas that include public transportation / intelligent transport systems / urban mobility sanitation and waste management, local infrastructure including roads, power, etc. disaster/crisis management, water supply, urban financing, housing for all smart cities, parking management congestion, pricing non-motorised transport, traffic management, lake security, general safety, surveillance, slum management and any other area concerning local governance.

The Hackathon would be a three-stage process. In the preliminary stages the participants would get to have discussions in consultation with IT companies, officials of the Metropolis Congress and the Government of Telangana. The concepts at the Pre-Hackathon would form the agenda for the final Hackathon event at the Metropolis World Congress, at HICC, Madhapur, where the shortlisted entries would get to interact with international delegates. At the final event, five of the best ideas would be awarded and given incubation opportunity by the Government of Telangana in association with ISB.

The vast experience, learning and challenges of Hyderabad and urban India provide an excellent opportunity for the 11th Metropolis World Congress to gather, engage, debate and share the global dialogue on urbanisation with stakeholders from cities around the world.

KTR exhorts GHMC officials to get onto social media
KTR directed the GHMC Commissioner and officials of the civic body to use the social media as it would go a long way in reaching out to people. He said, “There is a social media cell and directed the civic body to see that the toll free number of GHMC becomes popular just as the 911 in New York City.”

The GHMC chief said that the GHMC received only 200 calls a day and there was a need for peoples’ participation.