CURE Bill proposes big overhaul of Hyd governance

Draft law proposes new property tax system, faster approvals and unified civic services; public feedback invited till July 24

Property Pulse

The Telangana Government has released the draft Telangana Core Urban Region Economy (CURE) – Integrated Governance Bill, 2026, proposing a comprehensive overhaul of urban governance across the Hyderabad Metropolitan Region. The proposed legislation seeks to replace the existing GHMC Act with a unified framework covering the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), Medchal Municipal Corporation and Charminar Municipal Corporation.
The draft Bill, comprising 43 chapters and nine schedules, proposes wide-ranging reforms in property taxation, building approvals, civic administration, environmental protection and urban infrastructure. The government has invited suggestions and objections from citizens, industry bodies, urban planning experts and Resident Welfare Associations (RWAs) until July 24.

New property tax formula 

Among the most significant proposals is the shift from the existing Annual Rental Value (ARV) system to a capital value-based property tax.
Under the draft, property tax would be linked to the government's registration value of land and buildings. Residential properties may attract annual tax ranging from 0.10% to 0.50% of capital value, while commercial properties could be taxed between 0.20% and 2%. Every property would also be assigned a Unique Property Identification Number (UPIN), along with a self-assessment system and incentives for timely tax payments.

Faster building permissions

The Bill proposes a time-bound approval mechanism for building and layout applications. If applications are not processed within the prescribed period, they will automatically move to the next higher authority. If delays continue, applicants may issue a seven-day notice to the Commissioner, after which deemed approval could apply for eligible projects.
However, deemed approvals will not be available for developments involving lakes, Full Tank Level (FTL) areas, buffer zones, government land or prohibited properties.

Enforcement

The draft proposes stricter action against unauthorised constructions. Municipal authorities would be empowered to seal buildings after issuing a 24-hour notice, while immediate action could be taken in cases involving public safety.
The Bill also proposes that electricity and water connections should not be provided to buildings without an Occupancy Certificate (OC), strengthening compliance with approved building norms.

Single window for civic services

The legislation also proposes a single integrated trade licence, a Single Utility Bill covering multiple civic payments and a unified digital platform for approvals, tax payments, grievances and other municipal services.
Other proposals include Night Economy Zones to promote round-the-clock business activity, statutory backing for HYDRAA, a dedicated Food Safety Committee, and an apex Governance Council chaired by the Chief Minister to coordinate metropolitan governance.
If enacted, the CURE Bill would represent one of the most significant reforms in Hyderabad's urban governance, with implications for property owners, developers, businesses and civic administration across the metropolitan region.

 Key Proposals

• One law for GHMC, Medchal and Charminar civic bodies.
• Capital value-based property tax proposed.
• UPIN for every property.
• Time-bound building approvals with deemed approval for eligible cases.
• Single trade licence and Single Utility Bill proposed.
• Night Economy Zones and statutory status for HYDRAA included.
• Public feedback invited till July 24.