Hyderabad-based GIS professionals, Major Shiva Kiran and K Venugopal, have unveiled a revolutionary proposal that could reshape the way addresses are assigned across the state. After two years of extensive research, the duo is advocating for the implementation of the Latitude-Longitude-based Digital Door Number (DDN) system, also known as One Nation One Number (ONON). The proposed system promises to introduce a more scientific and transparent method to address the inefficiencies of the existing door numbering system, which has faced issues of duplication and errors due to increasing population and expanding urban boundaries.
The ONON system leverages satellite imagery and Geographic Information System (GIS) tools to assign unique, coordinate-based numbers to properties. This method not only eliminates the possibility of duplicated or incorrect door numbers but also offers a self-generation model, allowing property owners to create their own digital addresses using platforms like ISRO’s Bhuvan Geoportal or Google Maps. Once generated, these addresses would be verified by authorities, ensuring a seamless and transparent system for property tax assessments. As per data from the Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC), the city currently houses around 24 lakh properties, with only 5.64 lakh properties properly assessed—a discrepancy the ONON system could help resolve.
The traditional system of door number allocation in Hyderabad—based on wards, blocks, and plot numbers—has become outdated as urban areas rapidly expand. With over 150 wards and populations ranging from 40,000 to 50,000 people per ward, the system has struggled to keep pace. In a recent pilot project in Narayanpet Municipality, the DDN system resulted in a 30% increase in property assessments, showcasing the potential of this new methodology in streamlining urban planning processes and enhancing local revenue.
From a sustainability perspective, this innovative system aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals, promoting transparency, efficiency, and reduced resource wastage in urban administration. As digital maps and location-sharing apps replace traditional address systems, adopting this model could set a precedent for cities across the nation, integrating technology for sustainable urban development while tackling longstanding civic issues.
