Bridging the Urban Services Divide through Integrated Solutions
As cities in India continue to grow at an unprecedented rate, the essential task of providing reliable, affordable water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) services to all residents has become increasingly complex. Hyderabad, the capital of Telangana state, is no exception. The city’s population has swelled from around 6.8 million in 2011 to an estimated 9.7 million today, with migrants flocking in search of economic opportunities. However, this rapid urbanization has outpaced the city’s ability to expand WASH infrastructure and services, leaving many residents, especially those living in informal settlements, without access to basic necessities.
The urban services divide in Hyderabad is stark. While affluent neighborhoods enjoy piped water connections, modern sewerage, and regular waste collection, marginalized communities often resort to unsafe, makeshift solutions. Residents of informal settlements may rely on public taps or private water tankers, dispose of waste in open drains, and lack proper toilet facilities, exposing them to significant health risks. This inequality not only undermines individual well-being but also impedes the city’s overall development and environmental sustainability.
To address these challenges, Hyderabad must adopt a more integrated, cross-sectoral approach that bridges the urban services divide. By fostering collaboration between the urban planning and WASH sectors, the city can unlock innovative solutions that enhance service provision, improve public health, and promote sustainable growth. This article explores three key transformations that can help Hyderabad achieve this vision.
1. Aligning Urban Planning and WASH Strategies for Equitable Service Delivery
Historically, urban planning and WASH service provision in Hyderabad have operated in silos, resulting in fragmented and inequitable outcomes. The city’s planning authorities have often focused on zoning, land use, and infrastructure development, while the WASH sector has been primarily responsible for the construction and management of water, sanitation, and waste management systems. This siloed approach has led to the exclusion of marginalized communities from formal service networks, as WASH investments have typically prioritized wealthier neighborhoods.
To bridge this divide, Hyderabad must integrate WASH considerations into its urban planning processes. This can be achieved through the development of comprehensive, city-wide WASH plans that align with broader land use, transportation, and housing strategies. By mapping the spatial distribution of WASH infrastructure and identifying underserved areas, planners can strategically direct investments to address service gaps and ensure equitable access.
The Telangana government’s recent initiative to develop Hyderabad’s Master Plan 2041 presents a valuable opportunity to mainstream WASH priorities. The planning process should actively engage diverse stakeholders, including WASH service providers, community groups, and civil society organizations, to better understand the needs and challenges faced by under-served populations. This collaborative approach can inform the plan’s objectives, policies, and implementation strategies, ensuring that WASH services are integrated into the city’s overall development vision.
2. Empowering Community-Driven WASH Innovations
While top-down planning and infrastructure investments are essential, community-driven WASH initiatives can complement these efforts and foster more sustainable, inclusive solutions. Hyderabad’s informal settlements, home to millions of residents, are often overlooked in conventional WASH planning and service delivery. However, these communities have developed innovative, context-specific strategies to address their water, sanitation, and hygiene needs.
One successful example is the work of the Hyderabad-based Slum Networking Program (SNP), which has partnered with local communities to upgrade WASH infrastructure in informal settlements. Through a participatory approach, the SNP has helped residents secure land tenure, construct household toilets, and establish decentralized water supply and wastewater treatment systems. These interventions not only improve living conditions but also empower communities to take ownership of their WASH services.
Similarly, the Hyderabad-based Centre for Environmental Management of Degraded Ecosystems (CEMDE) has collaborated with urban poor communities to implement sustainable waste management solutions. CEMDE has facilitated the formation of community-based organizations that collect, sort, and recycle household waste, generating income for residents while reducing the burden on the city’s overburdened landfills.
By recognizing and supporting these community-driven WASH innovations, Hyderabad can leverage local knowledge, build social capital, and foster a sense of shared responsibility for service delivery. The city’s planning and WASH authorities should actively engage with community groups, providing technical and financial assistance to scale up successful initiatives and integrate them into the broader service network.
3. Strengthening Cross-Sectoral Governance and Financing
Effective cross-sectoral collaboration between urban planning and WASH sectors requires robust governance structures and innovative financing mechanisms. In Hyderabad, the fragmentation of institutional responsibilities and the lack of coordinated decision-making have long been major impediments to integrated service delivery.
The Hyderabad Metropolitan Water Supply and Sewerage Board (HMWSSB) is the primary agency responsible for water and sanitation services, while the Hyderabad Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) oversees urban planning and infrastructure development. This siloed approach has hindered the ability to align investments, share data, and jointly address the challenges faced by under-served communities.
To overcome this, Hyderabad should establish dedicated cross-sectoral coordination platforms that bring together representatives from HMWSSB, HMDA, and other relevant stakeholders, such as community organizations, civil society groups, and private sector entities. These platforms can facilitate knowledge sharing, joint planning, and the development of integrated WASH strategies that are closely aligned with the city’s broader development goals.
Furthermore, the city must explore innovative financing mechanisms that can support the implementation of these integrated WASH solutions. This may involve leveraging national and state-level programs, such as the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) and the Smart Cities Mission, to secure funding for WASH infrastructure upgrades and community-based initiatives. Additionally, Hyderabad can explore the potential of blended finance models that combine public resources with private sector investments and community contributions, ensuring the long-term sustainability of WASH services.
Conclusion: Towards a More Livable and Sustainable Hyderabad
By fostering cross-sectoral collaboration between urban planning and WASH sectors, Hyderabad can take decisive steps towards bridging the urban services divide and building a more livable and sustainable city. This integrated approach, which aligns WASH priorities with broader urban development strategies, empowers community-driven innovations, and strengthens cross-sectoral governance and financing, holds the key to ensuring equitable access to essential services for all of Hyderabad’s residents.
As Hyderabad continues to grow and evolve, this transformative shift in how the city plans, manages, and invests in WASH services will be crucial for enhancing public health, promoting environmental sustainability, and unlocking the full potential of its diverse communities. The lessons learned in Hyderabad can also serve as a valuable model for other rapidly urbanizing cities in India and across the global South, inspiring them to forge new pathways towards a more equal and livable urban future.
