The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is gearing up to embark on an ambitious geographical information system (GIS) mapping project that will geotag 24.46 lakh properties across the city.
With an eye on more expansive public infrastructure projects, AMC is set to allocate a significant budget of Rs 250 crore towards this GIS initiative, which will form the bedrock of a comprehensive, high-tech urban management system. This project is a critical step towards securing a Rs 3,000 crore loan from the World Bank to help fund the city’s much-needed infrastructure upgrades. On April 23, the AMC issued a tender inviting both national and international companies to bid for the development, implementation, and maintenance of this GIS-based system for Ahmedabad. The tender aims to identify a capable partner to survey, collect data, and establish a GIS-enabled management information system (MIS) for the city’s planning and administration.
Of the 24.46 lakh properties to be mapped, 18.30 lakh are residential, and 6.16 lakh are non-residential. The project will also involve the creation of an aerial 3D digital map of Ahmedabad, allowing for a far more granular and accurate overview of the city’s physical assets. This data will not only aid in better urban planning but will also assist in the management of municipal services such as drainage, water distribution, sewage treatment plants, and property tax assessments. The GIS project is a precondition for the World Bank loan, which will be directed towards enhancing Ahmedabad’s drainage systems, expanding its water networks, and improving sewage treatment facilities. The World Bank requires the establishment of a dedicated GIS cell within the AMC to ensure that all infrastructural developments are meticulously planned and executed based on accurate geospatial data. To meet this condition, the civic body has initiated the tender process for the GIS cell.
Despite the efforts made by AMC’s various departments to implement GIS mapping in the past, the city’s existing GIS efforts have been fragmented. The previous mapping initiatives have been conducted in silos, with separate departments commissioning their own surveys over the years. For instance, in 2014-15, a consulting firm was hired to map Ahmedabad’s water distribution network. A year later, PwC was tasked with GIS mapping of the properties within the city’s tax ambit. Additionally, other consultants were brought in to map water connections, but none of this data is centralised on a single platform. The lack of integration between these separate data sets has made it difficult for the municipal corporation to effectively use this information for citywide planning.
A key issue that officials have identified is the outdated nature of some of the data. GIS mapping conducted as early as 2016 by a private contractor is no longer relevant, given the growth in the number of properties and the expansion of the city’s boundaries. With the continued development of new areas under the city’s limits, it has become imperative for AMC to update its records to reflect the city’s evolving landscape. The new Rs 250 crore GIS project will, therefore, be far more comprehensive and cutting-edge. The data collected will cover roads, footpaths, buildings, and underground utilities. For example, if a new flyover is to be constructed, the GIS data will allow officials to identify underground utilities, ensuring that the construction does not disrupt vital services. Additionally, the project will help facilitate the planning of new infrastructure, which will be mapped and stored digitally for easier access and management.
For the successful implementation of this GIS project, the integration of existing mapping data remains one of the biggest challenges. Officials acknowledged that the task of merging data from multiple sources into a single unified platform will be complex. Nonetheless, they have expressed optimism that this project will streamline operations and improve decision-making processes in the future. The AMC’s GIS initiative also presents a chance to enhance transparency and efficiency in property tax assessments. The integrated system will allow for more accurate tracking of property ownership and use, potentially reducing instances of tax evasion and boosting municipal revenues. Moreover, the real-time data generated by the GIS system will be invaluable for urban development and emergency response teams. It will also help AMC in conducting better land-use planning and environmental management.
As per the details in the tender, international firms are encouraged to submit bids by depositing the requisite security amount in foreign currency. This ensures that both Indian and global firms can collaborate on the project, bringing their expertise and advanced technological capabilities to the table. Once operational, the GIS-enabled system will make Ahmedabad one of the most advanced cities in India in terms of urban planning and infrastructure management. The project also promises to deliver long-term benefits for the residents of Ahmedabad. With a more robust and digitally-driven system in place, urban services such as waste management, water supply, and electricity distribution can be monitored and optimised for better delivery. This will ensure that the city’s growth remains sustainable and equitable, aligned with the vision of creating a modern, livable urban environment.
For AMC, this project marks a critical milestone in its efforts to modernise the city’s infrastructure. The geotagging of properties and the creation of an advanced GIS system will lay the foundation for more efficient governance, ensuring that the municipal body can meet the growing demands of the city’s expanding population. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, Ahmedabad is poised to become a model for other cities across India in terms of smart urban planning and management.
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