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GHMC Launches City Wide GIS Survey
GHMC Launches Comprehensive GIS Survey to Map Hyderabad Properties
The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) has embarked on an ambitious Integrated Geographic Information System (GIS) survey to accurately map all properties and utilities within the city’s limits. According to GHMC Commissioner Amrapali Kata, the initiative involves deploying 90 teams, each consisting of two members, to conduct the survey across Hyderabad. The number of teams is expected to expand to 600 over the next six months, depending on the needs of the project.
Areas Covered in the GIS Survey
The GIS mapping is currently underway in several key areas, including Hydernagar, Miyapur, Chandanagar, KPHB Colony, Uppal, and Hayath Nagar. These locations fall within five GHMC circles: Kukatpally, Moosapet, Chandanagar, Uppal, and Hayath Nagar. The next phase of the survey will extend to additional areas, such as Madhapur, Serilingampally, Allwyn Colony, Vivekananda Nagar Colony, Gajularamaram, Subhash Nagar, Nagole, and RC Puram. This will bring more GHMC circles into the project, including Serilingampally, Gajularamaram, and RC Puram.
Purpose and Benefits of the GIS Survey
The GIS survey aims to achieve several key objectives that will enhance the administration and infrastructure of Hyderabad. One of the primary outcomes of the project will be the creation of unique identification numbers, referred to as digital addresses, for each property. These digital addresses are expected to significantly improve the precision and efficiency of service delivery across the city. For example, services such as garbage collection and emergency response will become more streamlined with the availability of accurate location data.
Additionally, the GIS mapping will include detailed information about all buildings, roads, and essential utilities such as water and electricity. This comprehensive mapping will enable the government to better plan for future development and infrastructure needs in Hyderabad. The availability of precise data will also simplify the maintenance of existing infrastructure, making it easier to locate and repair critical components such as streetlights, pipelines, and other essential utilities.
For companies providing electricity, water, and gas, the enhanced accuracy in locating residences will facilitate new connections and maintenance services, thereby improving overall service delivery. Moreover, citizens are expected to benefit from improved address accuracy, which will aid in navigation and travel within the city, making it easier for individuals to find specific destinations.
Assurance on Privacy and Tax Concerns
GHMC officials have emphasized that the GIS survey is focused solely on asset protection and will not involve the collection of personal details. Residents have been assured that there is no need to worry about an increase in property taxes as a result of the survey. The project is designed to improve city services and infrastructure planning without imposing additional financial burdens on property owners.
The GHMC has highlighted that this GIS survey follows similar successful initiatives in towns across Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, where comprehensive mapping has already been implemented. The corporation has called for the cooperation of Hyderabad’s residents during the physical survey phase, stressing the importance of public support in achieving the project’s goals.
Concerns Raised by Public Representatives
Despite the potential benefits of the GIS survey, concerns have been raised by some public representatives. On Monday, July 29, All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen (AIMIM) floor leader Akbaruddin Owaisi expressed reservations about the project. He pointed out that many properties in Hyderabad are notarized and questioned the survey’s benefits for such properties. Owaisi stated, “The survey will be of no benefit to us. Instead, we should focus on how many residential areas are being converted into commercial properties.”
Owaisi’s concerns highlight the ongoing debate about the impact of the GIS survey on property owners, particularly in areas where the status of properties may be ambiguous or contested. The GHMC has yet to fully address these concerns but has reiterated that the survey is intended to enhance the city’s infrastructure and service delivery.
Conclusion
The GHMC’s GIS survey represents a significant step forward in the digital mapping and management of Hyderabad’s urban infrastructure. While the project promises numerous benefits, including improved service delivery and infrastructure planning, it also faces challenges in addressing the concerns of residents and public representatives. As the survey progresses, the GHMC will need to ensure transparency and continue to engage with the community to achieve the best possible outcomes for the city.
