Karimnagar town serves as the headquarters of Karimnagar district and holds significant importance in the Telangana region. Over the years, Karimnagar has grown in prominence, both historically and administratively. The town’s development has seen key milestones that have shaped its urban status today.
Historical Background
Karimnagar derives its name from Syed Karimuddin, a Qiladar of Elgandal during the reign of the late Nizam. Syed Karimuddin founded a village near the Elgandal fort, about 5 km away, and named it ‘Karimnagar’ after himself.
Elgandal was once the capital of the Chalukyas and later came under the control of various dynasties, including the Yadavas (1195), Kakatiyas (1295), Bahamani Kings (1445), Qutub Shahis (1523), Mughals (1687), and finally the Asif Jahis (1724).
During the late Nizam’s reign, Elgandal became a district headquarters. In 1905, the district headquarters was shifted to Karimnagar, and the district itself was renamed accordingly. Following the formation of Andhra Pradesh in 1956, Karimnagar became part of the state and has continued to evolve since.
Municipal Development Timeline
Karimnagar’s municipal evolution reflects its growing importance:
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1952: Constituted as a Grade III Municipality
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1959: Upgraded to Grade II Municipality
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1984: Elevated to Grade I Municipality
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1996: Attained Special Grade Municipality status
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1999: Upgraded to Selection Grade Municipality
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2005: Attained Municipal Corporation status
In 1987, Ramnagar and Rampur grampanchayats were merged into the municipality, further expanding its boundaries.
Location and Connectivity
Karimnagar is situated at 18º-26’N Latitude and 79º-7’E Longitude on the Hyderabad–Balharshah State Highway. It is approximately 160 km north of Hyderabad, 70 km from Warangal, and 60 km from Ramagundam.
The nearest railway station is Peddapalli on the Kazipet–Wardha railway section. Efforts are underway to extend the Peddapalli-Karimnagar railway line up to Kagaznagar and Nizamabad to support both passenger and bulk freight movement.
The Godavari River flows about 66 km north of Karimnagar, while its key tributary, the Manair River, lies closer to the town’s southern boundary.
Master Plan and Urban Development
The Master Plan is a vital document that guides the town’s integrated development by addressing population growth, infrastructure expansion, and economic needs.
Procedure for Master Plan Preparation
The preparation of a General Town Planning (GTP) scheme follows a structured process:
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The local body is responsible for preparing and submitting the GTP scheme to the government within four years of its constitution.
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The Municipal Council must consult with the Director of Town and Country Planning before preparing the GTP scheme.
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Once drafted, the GTP scheme is submitted to the government for approval.
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The scheme is published for public awareness, inviting objections and suggestions within 60 days.
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After addressing public feedback, the Director of Town and Country Planning reviews the scheme and offers technical advice.
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The Municipal Council finalizes the GTP scheme and submits it to the government for final approval.
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Upon approval, the scheme is published in the official gazette, and the local authority enforces it under the guidance of the Director of Town and Country Planning.
The government may modify the land-use plan of the GTP scheme based on resolutions passed by the Municipal Council.
Karimnagar’s Master Plan Progress
Karimnagar’s first Master Plan was prepared in 1976 and later revised in 1998, which remains in effect. Recently, efforts to update the Master Plan have begun, including the use of Quick Bird satellite imagery with 0.61M resolution procured from NRSC.
Currently, the Base Map preparation is underway, initiated under the APMDP (Andhra Pradesh Municipal Development Project) and led by CEED (Centre for Environmental Education Development). Approximately 30% of the work is completed, and the revised Master Plan is expected to be finalized within a year.
Population and Area
Karimnagar town covers an area of 23.50 sq km and had a population of 2,61,185 as per the 2011 Census.