Hyderabad: Telangana state Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao on Saturday complained to Prime Minister Narendra Modi that the defence ministry has been imposing ‘unreasonable conditions’ for handing over Bison Polo Grounds and Gymkhana Grounds to the Telangana state government for building a new Secretariat.
In a representation submitted to Mr Modi, the CM noted, “The government of Telangana has requested the ministry of defence for transfer of defence lands (Bison Polo Grounds and Gymkhana Grounds) in Secunderabad/ Hyderabad to the state government for the construction of a new Secretariat building, Strategic Road Development Projects (NH 44 and SH 1) and also transfer of 7.58 acre defence land (net area) for the construction of a six lane alternative road proposed in lieu of Gough Road.” Mr Rao also sought establishment of an Indian Institute of Management in the city.
In a representation submitted to Mr. Modi, the CM said, “The government of Telangana has requested the Ministry of Defence for the transfer of defence lands (Bison Polo grounds and Gymkhana grounds) to the state government for construction of new a Secretariat building, Strategic Road Development Projects and also transfer of 7.58 acre defence land for construction of a six lane alternative road proposed in lieu of Gough Road. The defence ministry has conveyed its “in principle approval” for transfer of the lands, but imposed an unreasonable condition of payment of Rs 31.20 crore every year by the state government to the Cantonment Board.”
He added, “When we are willing to exchange the lands and pay the differential cost of the land as a one time measure, the question of annual payment should not arise. We have accordingly requested the Ministry of Defence to revise the above condition, and the matter is still pending with them since August 2017. I would like to request you to kindly instruct the Ministry of Defence to expedite the proposal of transfer of defence lands to the Telangana state to enable the Government of Telangana to take up construction of new a Secretariat building and also widen and improve roads passing through the Cantonment Areas.” Mr. Rao also sought establishment of an IIM in the city. “As the state has already identified required land, it is requested that the UMHRD may be directed to initiate steps for sanctioning of the IIM,” Mr Rao told the PM.
