Telangana government rolled out draft of Telangana Core Urban Region (Integrated Governance) Bill, 2026 — the CURE Bill — on Sunday,July 5. This proposed law aims to revamp urban governance in Hyderabad metro area,replacing the old Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) Act of 1955 .
Hyderabad's population has exploded from about 1.5 million to roughly 13 million. The CURE Bill looks to create a unified governance structure, integrating Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Cyberabad Municipal Corporation (CMC), and Malkajgiri Municipal Corporation (MMC). While keeping many GHMC Act provisions,the draft introduces big changes. A transgender representative in municipal bodies. Outdated election disqualification rules gone.
One major shift: moving from current Annual Rental Value method to Capital Value-based system for property tax. Bill also plans to scrap octroi and dog tax,bring in self-assessment for property taxes,and introduce an Integrated Property Identity Code. Timely taxpayers who go green might get rebates .
To boost business and infrastructure, draft includes GIS-based street development,universal design standards, and underground utility planning . Proposes deemed approvals for certain building permits,decriminalized civil penalties,and a simple single trade license for businesses . And aims to boost night-time economy.
For public health and sanitation,CURE Bill grants emergency powers for health crises, simplifies nuisance handling. Aligns sanitation rules with Manual Scavengers Act, gives water and sewerage oversight to Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB).
Draft envisions new bodies to support integrated governance. A CURE Apex Governance Council led by Chief Minister,an Executive Committee,and Hyderabad Region Authority to protect lakes,drains,public land. Special authorities for disaster management,traffic, climate action, heritage,food safety,gender inclusion,labor welfare.
On digital governance,Bill proposes CURE SMART Governance Centre for real-time monitoring and emergency coordination,plus integrated digital portal. A single utility bill and CURE Appellate Authority for quick grievance resolution included.
Government seeks feedback from citizens,pros,others as part of public consultation before finalizing legislation…
