Great weather? Check. Relatively okay traffic? Check. Growing number of options of recreation and more happy people about? Check and check. It’s no wonder that, according to this year’s Mercer Quality Of Living Rating, our beloved abode is usually ranked the best city in which to live — tied with Pune, but that’s not the point — for the fourth year in row. Here’s how Hyderabad stepped up this year once again.
Get moving
The growing congestion in the city has been tackled with flyover projects, alternative solutions to transport and, of course, the L&T MetroRail. With about 40 stations open and operative so far, the MetroRail has been a beacon of transportation light for thousands of commuters. The announcement that the MetroRail will be extended to Shamshabad is another feather in the city’s hat, making it the second longest operational metro network in India, after the one in Delhi.
Park galore
We opened our arms to a range of inclusive parks, regardless of species and physical ability. National Park for People with Special Needs — in partnership between GHMC and an NGO Ayesha Educational Society — at Nalgonda Crossroads features sprawling lawns, a play area for children, an amphitheatre, and different special-therapy blocks.
The GHMC Dog Park in Gachibowli is India’s first official dog park, a destination for our canine friends. The 1.3 acre fun-zone has a Loo Café, ramps, two splash puddles in the shape of paws, hoop-jumps, weave posts and other fun obstacle courses and will also have occasional vaccination drives.
Entertain us
Don’t say we are running out of options through which to spend our free time. Nightclubs popped up in dozens as well as countless cineplexes, multiplexes and the more luxurious screening theatres, such as AMB Cinemas, catering to a variety of budgets. Plus who can omit the mini-golf courses and the big boom of escape rooms too?
By the people, for the people
Bhoomi Foundation, We Can Make A Change and other citizen groups have accomplished where our Government and City Corporations fell short. Whether it’s filling up and sealing a pothole, beautifying the city’s walls which used to be covered in unsightly ads or protesting the shrinking of the eco-sensitive zone of KBR Park, such groups remind us of the importance of the future.
Throughout the year, it seemed like every second conversation started with “there’s a new mall/store opening!” From the L&T Gallerias in Madhapur and Punjagutta to India’s largest mall, Sarath City Capital in Kondapur, there’s no shopping scarcity. Standalone stores include the saliva-inducing IKEA, House of Masaba, The Collective, and more.