GHMC accused of dodging public accountability, transparency in RTI response on drain desilting

Hyderabad: An RTI activist has raised concerns over what he calls a ‘deliberate attempt to obstruct information’ by the deputy chief engineer of the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC).

Mohammed Abdul Akram, a Hyderabad-based activist, has formally written to the State Information Commission and GHMC’s Appellate Authority after receiving what he described as an evasive response to an RTI application filed on June 30.

RTI on nala desilting met with referrals

Akram’s RTI sought comprehensive information on the desilting of nalas (stormwater drains) under GHMC limits, including zone-wise work details and budget allocations. However, instead of providing the requested information, the Public Information Officer (PIO) in the Chief Engineer’s office reportedly redirected Akram to approach 30 separate Circle-level PIOs.

“The deputy chief engineer of GHMC is a central figure in overseeing engineering operations across multiple zones and is expected to maintain consolidated records or have access to comprehensive reports,” said Akram, speaking to NewsMeter.

Legal grounds cited

Referring to Section 6(3) of the RTI Act, 2005, Akram pointed out that intra-departmental transfers of responsibility are not valid under the Act when all PIOs function under the same public authority.

“If the requested information pertains to another public authority, the PIO must transfer the application to the relevant authority and inform the applicant. But all the 30 PIOs listed work within GHMC, the same public authority,” he stated.

He further added, “Suggesting the filing of 30 separate RTI applications for a single subject matter is against the spirit of transparency promoted by the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions.”

Call for accountability

Akram has requested immediate intervention to ensure that the Dy. Chief Engineer furnishes the full set of information as originally sought. He has also called for:

• An inquiry into the conduct of the PIO for “dereliction of duty and deliberate obfuscation of information”

• A directive to the GHMC Engineering Department to maintain and share zone-wise desilting and budget records in a centralised manner

He added, “This behaviour appears to be a clear misuse of authority, a violation of the GIO (Guidelines for Information Officers), and could be seen as an intentional tactic to delay or deny public information, which is punishable under Section 20 of the RTI Act.”

Broader concerns over civic transparency

The issue highlights ongoing concerns around transparency in civic infrastructure management in Hyderabad. Experts say the absence of centralised public records on basic engineering operations such as desilting undermines public trust and hinders accountability.

“The fact that a senior official is unable or unwilling to provide consolidated data raises larger questions about the GHMC’s internal coordination and record-keeping,” Akram said.

The State Information Commission has yet to respond to the complaint.