1.                  Emerging City SWOT

                         Nanded is a city with a strong religious and socio-cultural base and a historical origin dating back over four centuries. It evolved as a trading center and due to its religious character continued to remain as a center of religious tourism. It is generally evidenced, however, that the economy and quality of living have stagnated over the last decade.  The most acute symptoms of the stagnation include closure of industries and the textile mills, slow job growth, slum proliferation believed to house a sizeable proportion of the city’s total population and high cost of land and housing.

                        These have been accentuated in case of Nanded due to demise of its mainstay textile industry and the relative lack of infrastructure investments that failed to keep up with increasing population or to allow the necessary expansion of the urban economy into surrounding areas. These issues have been exacerbated by the lack of integrated planning, fragmented governance and weak fiscal systems.

The SWOT analysis performed for Nanded is summarized below. While its key strengths remain due to its being a regional center, availability of adequate water, presence of an airport and proximity to international airports, which could be leveraged to attract investments in the industrial sector and boost trade and commerce. The new industrial policy formulated by the Government of Maharashtra with a special package for Marathwada region is expected to give a fillip to the development of Nanded.

            Its religious and cultural potential has presented Nanded with opportunities for exploiting tourism for  as an economic activity. Several tourism hotspots of religious and historical significance the city are popular attraction centers. With proper marketing and branding, tourism can be the major economic activity for the city.

            The Gur-ta-Gaddi tercentenary celebrations as well as the city’s nomination under the JNNURM as the eligible city for grant assistance in the religious/heritage category presents the city with a tremendous opportunity to develop city infrastructure to cater to its citizens as well as pilgrims. Substantial assistance is expected which could be utilized and leveraged to meet the city’s long term requirements and meet its objectives/vision.

             Possible threats to the developmental process and city’s emergence as a regional center are felt in the form of growing neighbouring economic centers and negative investor perception. These may be overcome with strategic policy level interventions, some of which are already being implemented by the State Government, under its initiative for development backward regions, while marketing, branding and infrastructure development are expected to overcome the investor perception. These are summarized below

2.                  Stakeholder Priorities

 The stakeholder meetings and planning for development of city’s infrastructure to meet the immediate requirement of the tercentenary celebrations in Nanded have led to setting out a conscious effort of the Government and the citizens in planning and defining priorities. The ensuing discussions and consultative approach have led to the general consensus among all on the emerging priorities. These are summarized below

¨       Development of Gurudwara and its surroundings

¨       Development of approach roads to the Gurudwara and leading to the ghats

¨       Development of riverfront area and walkways connecting all religious sites along it

¨       Development/Beautification of city roads, link roads and improvement of roads and transport infrastructure and traffic management

¨       Improvement to water supply and drainage and implementing underground drainage system in city

¨       Development of industries

¨       Development of hotels, satsang hall, yatri niwas, camping facilities, temporary arrangements for pilgrims

¨       Improvement of slum areas

¨       Public transportation

¨       Development of speciality hospital and Upgradation of government medical college and hospital

¨       Development of water reservoirs for ritual bathing, ghats with bathing and sanitation areas

¨       Development of support systems/facilities for law and order, traffic management, fire services and trauma care/accident management

¨       Development of power supply facilities and underground cabling network

The vision focuses on the above and sets out priorities for meeting the short term and long term vision of the city and its infrastructure development programme.

3.                  Nanded Vision 2025

                        To transform Nanded into a vibrant regional economic hub, through urban renewal and infrastructure development

                        The goals to achieve the vision are:

a.       Sustainable economic development on the basis of inherent strengths of the city through promotion of health, education, tourism and industrial sectors – focus on local employment opportunities

b.       Planned city growth, conservation of the core city area, its cultural heritage and revitalizing the River Godavari as the core functional element of the city

c.       Integrated infrastructure development with a focus on strengthening existing systems, augmentation, equitable coverage and sustainability

d.            Access to housing and urban basic services to the urban poor

e.       Efficient institution that is responsive to citizen needs.  Improved capacities for day-to-day functioning, planning, service delivery and maintenance

f.        Improved financial management – improved budgeting, financial accounting & reporting systems and revenue enhancement to ensure financial sustainability

Nanded Vision 2025 – A few Glimpses

Riverfront in Nanded

Typical Main Street

Typical Road Intersection

Typical Courtyard in Inner City Area

Inner Street (Low Income Area)

Weekly Market

4.                  Sectoral Goals and Strategies

4.1.            Economic Growth Strategies

                         Due to its strategic location as a regional center over a radial distance of about 250-300 km and availability of water, the key drivers supporting the economic development of Nanded are identified as:

a.       Health Sector

b.       Tourism and Entertainment sector

c.       Industrial Development – agro-economic zones

4.1.1.      Promoting Health Sector

                        Health services are an integral part of the essential social services required to support economic development. On one hand the region has historically lacked attention, due to which there has been limited investments and development in the sector. As a result, limited development has been witnessed in health sector through public resources.

                        Privately run small hospitals have mushroomed in Nanded, which provide little comfort to the backward and economically weaker sections. To meet the growing needs of the region of over 10,000 sq. km., there is a felt need to evolve Nanded as a regional center for advanced secondary and tertiary healthcare services. The sectoral development could be supported by the present medical college, which could also be upgraded to a research center for advanced studies in medical research.

                        While the city is poised to grow, this calls for emergence of health services and hospitals to cater to the increasing requirements. Owing to easy availability of medical professionals due to the presence of a medical college, good connectivity by air and road/rail,  and relative inexpensiveness of treatment in comparison to Mumbai or Nagpur,  Nanded has the potential to be a preferred regional destination for accessing secondary and tertiary health services. It could build upon its professional strengths and connectivity to national destinations for this purpose.

                        The demand for such services needs to be strategically tapped. It is a well established fact that investments in the sector would depend upon economics, affordability, availability of professional resources, access/connectivity linkages and accommodation facilities for post-operative care. The concept of a dedicated healthcare center could be explored within the existing framework.

                        The idea of promoting a regional healthcare center in Nanded needs to be explored on priority. The concept could focus on provision of healthcare facilities, post-operative care and all other relevant infrastructure in a clearly delineated geographical area. The healthcare center could also promote related support facilities such as clinical research centers and medical college. A demand analysis study should be undertaken including scoping and sizing of facilities to delineate potential for development in the short and medium term. The availability of land for this purpose needs to be explored immediately. The healthcare center may be developed through an SPV route with or without participation by the Corporation or the State Government. The Corporation’s exposure could be to the extent of provision of land for proposed development and sanction of all such local permissions.

                        The development of health sector facilities is urgent keeping in mind the Gur-ta-Gaddi Tercentenary celebrations as well as the gap in provisioning with special focus on making it affordable and accessible to the poor and economically backward sections of the society.

4.1.2.      Promoting Education Service Sector

                        The medium term strategy for education sector includes positioning Nanded as a Regional Hub for Education. The city already houses institutions for higher education such as the university, medical college, law college, engineering college, management, agri sciences and others which attracts students from the region all around Nanded. This institutional set-up positions the city to develop strategies around the existing strengths and provide further opportunities in a dedicated manner for education purposes. This will provide supply of educated staff/ workforce which would be required to support the economic development of the city.

                        Area in South Nanded which already houses the University, engineering college and the proposed Government Medical college, has the potential to evolve into the educational zone/sector of the city. Greater thrust and identification of “Education Zone” in the Development Plan will help in developing the required facilities to support educational services. This also needs to be backed up with hostel accommodation, which will help students from the captive region.

In line with the city’s vision and future developmental strategies, thrust on education to support hotel management, hospitality & catering industry, tourism, etc. has been proposed. There would also be greater need to support manufacturing activities and promote local skill sets in technological support.

4.1.3.      Promoting Tourism and Entertainment

                        Tourism and entertainment constitute another key ingredient of Nanded’s development strategy. Nanded has the essential features of a potential heritage and pilgrim tourism destination, which could be exploited.  One of the key strategies is to designate in the Development Plan for South Nanded a Special Tourism Zone and undertake necessary concept building and strategy for attracting investments into it.

                        The Gur-ta-Gaddi tercentenary celebrations are expected to be launched globally which would attract substantial number of national and international tourists and Sikh devotees. This event is expected to catapult Nanded on the international front. This opportunity could be explored to position Nanded and market its potential which would further enhance/support its development. Branding and marketing are key to boost Nanded’s tourism potential.

                        There is a huge number of domestic tourists traveling to Nanded either for tourism or commercial reasons. However their stay in Nanded is limited to a short duration focused around the existing pilgrim attractions. One of the reasons cited is limited  entertainment/tourism hotspots that could facilitate family entertainment or leisure tourism. This calls for concerted efforts for promotion of entertainment areas/activities which could also boost tourism.

                        One of the strategies for tourism related economic development is to evolve strategies to extend the duration of stay of tourists by creating leisure areas/activities, developing tourism circuits linking all places of religious/commercial interest around Nanded, which will serve to evolve Nanded as the center for enhancing stay and experience.

                        Nanded has been recognized as a cultural center and has been host to many socio-cultural events such as the Natya Sammelan.  This potential also needs to be showcased.

                        Certain locational features facilitate adding leisure/heritage facets to the city such as:

a.       River-based leisure activities

b.       Water sports

c.       Designated Heritage walk tracing the history of late Guru Gobind Singh

d.       Sound & light show, musical events showcasing heritage

e.       Heritage Garden showcasing physical model, historical development and spread of Sikhism

f.        Renewal and conservation of old city area

                        A. Riverfront Development

                        The city has about 5 km stretch of riverfront which has significant potential to be developed into an attractive landscaped leisure area.

                        The riverfront area on the left bank of the Godavari river is interspersed with bathing ghats and Gurudwaras. The concept of riverfront development on the left bank could therefore feature on a riverfront heritage walkway, improvement to bathing ghats for ritual bathing, developing sanitation facilities, public conveniences and relocation of burial facilities, embankment wall and landscaping.  The project could be structured with grant assistance for developing the heritage walk connecting the Gurudwaras, landscaping and improvement to bathing ghat as a heritage project.

                        The riverfront on the right bank in south Nanded could be developed with landscaped garden and walkway as it has substantial amount of relatively undeveloped land alongside the riverbank. The implementation of this component could be phased out along with land development component in South Nanded.

                        Demand analysis of this unique project should be undertaken featuring on willingness to pay for pay-n-use facilities for parking, leisure walk or garden to the extent feasible. Parking facilities could be provided which could provide some revenue for meeting the operating costs. Advertising and limited commercial activities could also be considered to the extent feasible for meeting the operating costs. Implementation road map needs to be prepared which would phase out the components and costs to the extent sustainable for the Corporation. Innovative revenue mobilization strategies and packaging shall be reviewed for structuring on a cost recovery format to meet the recurring/operation and maintenance costs to the extent feasible.

                        B. Other Tourism Activities

                        The important heritage locations/precincts in Nanded should be renovated and dovetailed into the itinerary Tourist routes. This should include heritage/pilgrim tourism in and around Nanded.

                        Based on the inherent strength of the rich and cultural heritage, Nanded has its own charm and attraction which needs to be explored among tourists whether domestic or international. The Event based or Experiencing activities need to form part of the concept and facilities, programs and experiencing to be developed so as to provide a memorable experience and a snapshot of the glorious past and the religious significance attached to its various properties. The old city area around the Sachkhand Gurudwara should be developed to provide experiencing events such as the Heritage Walk Tracing the life of late Guru Gobind Singh. A proper study is however required to fully exploit the potential of heritage tourism.

                        Besides the Gurudwaras, Nanded also has other religious sites, such as the famous Renukadevi temple at Mahur, Kaleshwar temple, Parli Vaijnath temple and Nagnath temple which could form part of the tourism circuit  in and around Nanded.

                        With retention of water in Godavari due to proposed water reservoirs, water sports could be explored. An inland waterway project has been sanctioned for Nanded of which terminal facilities could also be used for this purpose. This is expected to attract local and domestic tourists.

                        Amusement park at Nanded for children will provide the much needed outlet for the younger population. Likewise, the new facilities for entertainment such as the multiplex, as well as retail marketing could be explored which will give a different experience. Such facilities are typically lacking in the city and will definitely add to the quality of life.

                        Although the aforesaid measures constitute a few projects to start with, this effort needs to be backed with a tourism strategy that is focused/attracts the key players to invest and enhance City’s tourism and entertainment potential.

4.1.4.      Promoting Industrial Development

                        The increase in production from agriculture and allied activities has undoubtedly a very prominent role in the process of economic development. But in a predominantly agrarian economy like that of Nanded district, where the pressure of population on land is already very high and is constantly increasing, the solution to the slow progress of economic growth and living standard lies in the diversification or major economic activity, a process which largely depends on the rapidity of industrial development.

                        Nanded district, although rich in agricultural resources, manpower and bovine population, is industrially backward. Seventy-six per cent of its population is directly dependent on agriculture. There is however sufficient scope for the development of the industries in the district. Lack of the facilities for quick and easy transport, inadequacy of entrepreneurship and promotional capital, and the apathy of the government in the past Nizam State regime towards this part of the region were the factors responsible for the backwardness of Nanded district. Besides the economic reasons" some non-economic causes, which held up the industrial development of this region, were the educational backwardness resulting in the lack of technical knowledge, political insecurity, and shyness of promotional capital.

                        Nanded district, as stated previously is essentially an agricultural area producing important, cash crops, like cotton, oilseeds and food grains, such as, pulses, wheat and jowar. This explains the predominance of industries, such as, ginning and pressing. extracting vegetable oils, decorticating and dal milling, etc. Production of groundnut and cotton seeds has helped the establishment of the agro-industry of oil-seeds crushing.

                        The emergence of industrial estate at Nanded has made a beginning in the field of light engineering works. Gur manufacturing is also an important industry in the district which is purely seasonal in character. The important cottage industries in the district are weaving, tanning, carpentry, metal works, (utensils), smithy and brick making

                        The city has potential for industrial development primarily due to its proximity to water source such as Godavari, an airstrip and good road connectivity. With the proposed strategy for economic development, development of good airport and widening of highways, educational development, the district is poised towards industrial development.

                        The Industries department of the Government of Maharashtra has been in the process of finalizing the Industrial Location Policy, which would define scope for industrial development. From an economic perspective, Nanded is excellently positioned to develop an agro-processing zone and agri-export zone. With water not being a constraint, availability of quality power for development, Nanded is proposed to be marketed as an attractive destination for agro-based industrial development. Banana and citrus fruits cultivation being prominent in the region, the local produce marketing, branding and packaging/processing industry could be explored.

                        Having its key strengths in the cotton textile and handloom industry, this also could be exploited in the form of a Textile park (non-polluting manufacturing base).

                        The MIDC within Nanded should formulate a new strategy for tapping industrial development in and around Nanded. The following action points are summarized for industrial and commercial development which would boost economic trade and investment potential in Nanded:

a.       Delineate strategy for agro-based industrial development

b.       Identify/carve out designated area for floriculture park, SEZ/agro-economic zone (AEZ) for promoting exports

c.       Firm up industrial location policy for Nanded

d.       Identify support facilities required from commercial/economic perspective which would strengthen trade and commerce from Nanded e.g. banking sector development, truck terminal, trading markets etc.

e.       Small industries area use should be changed to mixed use that will permit exploiting commercial potential along with non-polluting industries base to be set up in Nanded.

4.2.            City Growth Management Strategies

 4.2.1.      Directing City Growth

                        NWCMC should make a conscious effort at controlling the city sprawl in a phased and planned manner, adopting best practices in urban development and planning norms.  There is an opportunity in the form of availability of large undeveloped tracts of land in south Nanded, where development can be planned and regulated in a phased manner.  The growth management strategy should thus focus on:

a.       Controlling and guiding urban sprawl in a phased manner applying modern principles of physical planning and growth management

b.       Planning and providing for infrastructure, including connectivity in line with the intended growth plan, rather than attempting to only service already congested areas – the focus should be on dispersing growth more evenly across the city.

c.       Applying innovative methods of using land as a resource to finance development, like TDR, FSI banks and land pooling mechanisms like the TP Scheme, etc.

d.       Formation of a Special Planning Authority covering NWCMC and urban fringe areas, under provisions of the MRTP Act, 1966 to arrest indiscriminate sprawl and ensure equitable and sustainable urban development

4.2.2.      Urban Renewal and Conservation of Core City Fabric

                        The historic core of the city is unique and presents evidence of traditional living – functional elements, building typologies and construction methods and architecture.  Over the years, most of the traditional city fabric has been lost to rampant construction that is not in sync with the organic built form and fabric.  This has led to degeneration of the area, imposing tremendous pressure on the infrastructure systems in the area and deteriorating quality of life.  The focus should be on reviving and conserving the original character of the area and reviving the functional relationship of the area with the river.  The principles for urban renewal and conservation should focus on:

a.       Revitalizing and conserving key heritage elements, including the river Godavari in Nannded

b.       Promotion sustainable management of the Historic Area

c.       Ensuring that the unique qualities and Conservation Values are understood and are sustained in the future whilst maintaining and promoting Nanded as a living and working city which benefits from Heritage Conservation and Management 

d.       Improve physical access and interpretation, encouraging all people to enjoy and understand the Historic area

e.       Improve public awareness of and interest and involvement in the Cultural heritage of Nanded, achieving a common local, national and international ownership of Cultural Assets

f.        Devise an institutional and management framework for heritage identification, development and conservation

                        A. Understanding peoples perception of the historic area

                        Understanding the people’s perception of their Cultural Assets is very crucial before planning any Conservation program. Very often it is seen that such programs are planned by Government organizations and Conservation Specialists who have a limited view of the scenario. Cultural Assets are eventually owned by the local residents therefore incorporating their ideas, views, knowledge and memories of the place, how they relate and interact with their heritage assets would be crucial for planning any conservation activity in the area. This approach would also ensure ownership of the Conservation Initiatives.

                        B. Delineating the cultural heritage study area

                        Initially it is essential to delineate a Cultural heritage study area in the larger context of the city through field reconnaissance for undertaking detailed research and documentation activities. The boundaries of the study area in the beginning would be flexible so as to incorporate all the cultural assets. This study area after a Comprehensive Heritage Conservation and Management Plan has been adopted would translate into a Cultural Heritage Zone with legal sanctity.

                        C. Research and documentation of cultural heritage assets

                        Intensive research activity and a detailed study of the historic area need to be undertaken before planning any interventions in the Historic area. The study needs to:  

a.       Document and establish the cultural significance of the historic area

b.       Prepare an inventory of Heritage structures and spaces having Conservation values

c.       Carry out a detailed listing and grading of all potential heritage structures and spaces

d.       Document the existing condition of the Cultural assets and the issues concerning them

e.       Document the intangible Cultural assets like traditional functions, lifestyles, religious beliefs, fairs and festivals, etc.

                        This activity would bring to light the exact nature of the Cultural Heritage Assets, type and typologies existing, their geographical spread, numbers and concentration. It would also highlight the urgent issues that need to be addressed on an emergency basis to undertake first aid measures for protecting the Heritage Assets under the guidance of Conservation specialists.

                        D. Integrating conservation with developmental initiatives

                        Till such time that a legal and institutional framework for conservation and redevelopment is put in place a Heritage Committee needs to be formed having equal representation of all the stakeholders and specialists in Urban Conservation, historians, artists, sociologists, environmental specialists, planners, architects, local craftsmen, artisans, local NGOs, etc for monitoring conservation and developmental activities in the historic area.

                        Until a Comprehensive Heritage Conservation and Management Plan has been prepared and adopted, all developmental activities in the historic area need to be scrutinized by the Heritage Committee to ensure that there is no threat to the Cultural Assets of the Historic area.

                        E. Community participation: integrating conservation with people’s life

                        The participation and the involvement of all the stakeholders especially the residents is essential to the success of the Conservation activity and should be encouraged. Strategic partnerships need to be built through awareness promotion campaigns, workshops and exhibitions educating stakeholders on the history, traditional lifestyles and cultural significance of the heritage assets needs to be organized. Heritage Walks can be an effective means for familiarizing the residents with their Cultural Assets. A sensitive Heritage Signage system for the historic area can be another way of highlighting the Cultural Assets of the historic area.

                        Clean and green city campaigns can also be undertaken by the Municipal Corporation to ensure sanitation and hygiene in the Historic area. Local NGOs can be roped in these activities.

                        These activities would instill a sense of pride in the residents of the Historic area, make them aware of the fact that the Cultural Heritage Assets are substantial investments made by our previous generations and should not be allowed to waste. Such measures will also sensitize them to the environmental value of these resources.

                        F. Reviving traditional materials, technology and skills

                        There is need to create a database of traditional construction methods, materials and skills that would be of use for undertaking specific Conservation interventions. Capacity building and training of local artisans in use of traditional construction technology, skills and materials needs to be undertaken.

                        G. Incentives and concessions for heritage conservation

                        Fiscal incentives need to be provided to owners/occupants of heritage assets to encourage maintenance and conservation activities. Actual interventions need to be undertaken under the guidance of Conservation specialists.

                        F. Managing heritage / religious tourism

                        Religious tourism based on the Sikh Cultural Heritage is a very important phenomenon in Nanded. The Sachkhand Gurudwara and seven other Gurudwaras associated with the life of Shri Guru Gobind Singh (including Naginaghat Sahib, Bandaghat Sahib, Maltekdi Sahib, Hiraghat Sahib, Shikharghat Sahib, Sangat Sahib and Mata Sahib Gurudwaras) constitute the major attraction of pilgrims to Nanded city. There exists a well established Sikh pilgrim circuit focused around these eight Gurudwaras, having the nucleus of its activities around the most important Gurudwara of Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib. Five out of eight of these Gurudwaras are within the Municipal limits while three of them are beyond it in the countryside. In the wake of the Gur-ta-Gaddi Tercentenary celebrations of Shri Guru Granth Sahib and Parlok Gaman of Shri Guru Govind Singhji a number of interventions like upgradation of infrastructure, provision of tourist facilities, rehabilitation works, road widening, provision of new access points to the main Gurudwara in the city through the historic area by the construction of new bridges, etc is being planned. A number of activities and interventions on the Godavari riverfront are also being planned by the Government as well as the Gurudwara Committee. Some of these interventions have been approved while others are under consideration at various levels in the State and the Central Government.

                        The Sachkhand Gurudwara Board has also undertaken the preparation of a Master Plan for Gurudwara Sachkhand Shri Hazur Abchalnagar Sahib. The proposal involves a number of developmental activities both within and around the Gurudwara and development of the river front at the Nagina Ghat. Since few heritage assets like the old Baradari, Taksala, Modi Khana, etc. are present inside the Gurudwara, therefore the proposals planned as per their Master Plan need to be scrutinized to ensure the integrity of the Cultural Heritage Assets. At the Government level also River Front Development is being undertaken. As regards the proposed River Front Development works at the Nagina Ghat it should be ensured that all the River Front Development works should be as per a common Master Plan and repetition of similar planning activities by different organizations should not be allowed.

                        In addition, to the Gurudwaras, other places of religious significance in and around Nanded need to be developed and packaged as a religious tourism offering – such places include Ardhapur, Maralak, Shankh Tirth, Shikhar ghat, Mata Sahib, Trikut / Hira Ghat, Kaleshwar, Markand and Bawri Nagar.

                        G. Formulating a comprehensive heritage conservation and management plan

                        Conservation of the Historic Area is an ongoing activity and is closely linked with urban and regional planning initiatives. For the successful conservation of the historic area Comprehensive Heritage Conservation and Management Plan with a long term perspective needs to be formulated.

4.2.3.      Riverfront Development

                        NWCMC to develop a master plan for the development of the riverfront in Nanded city so as to restore its functional relevance and scenic beauty. The river traverses across the city from the barren tracts of land in the east, as it enters the city limits to the Goverdhan, Nagina Ghat Gayatri Mandir in the city center to the core inner city area in the western edge.  The northern bank of the river is substantially developed, while the southern bank is barren land.  The riverfront development plan needs to address the sensitivities of the varying character along the river banks and provide appropriate development treatments – for instance, there could be more intense development and access to the river at places associated with religious activities to redevelopment and conservation activities in the core city area to sparse built development along the southern bank.

4.3.            Infrastructure Development Strategies

                         The strategy for infrastructure development focuses on integrated development of infrastructure with specific attention on rehabilitation and refurbishment of existing systems, augmentation, better operation and maintenance, institutional development and capacity building for better O&M and sustainability. 

                        Detailed sectoral master plans to be prepared to address the key focus areas listed above and project identification and phasing.

4.3.1.      Water Supply

                        The strategy for water sector focuses on the urgent need to meet immediate requirements and long term needs for efficient management. The broad strategies emerging based on existing situation assessment include:

a.       Benchmark and strengthen the existing system

b.       Bring in efficiencies in system and operational performance

c.       Develop core strengths in O&M for better management of the service

d.       Enhance revenue management system

e.       Undertake training and capacity building of core team

f.        Augment the existing system to cater to entire population

                        A. Existing System Benchmarking and Strengthening

                        The NWCMC needs to carryout a comprehensive assessment for benchmarking the existing system including condition assessment, mapping, auditing for system performance in terms of water and energy audits, operational performance in terms of management. The rehabilitation and refurbishment measures should be taken up before embarking on a long-term source augmentation and distribution network plan.  A scientific zoning system needs to be worked out. The existing system refurbishment should attempt to salvage as much as possible of the existing network of over 500 km in an integrated manner.

                        The underlying need is to ensure equitable distribution of water supply based on designed supply level such as 140 lpcd (at the consumer end) for domestic supply and so forth for each consumer category on a continuous basis.  Strengthening of the existing system shall be necessary to ensure efficient supply with minimum losses.

                        B. Bring in efficiencies in system and operational performance

                        The existing system suffers from inefficiencies in the management of the entire operations. The organization does not have adequate qualified and skilled staff to operate and manage supply service. Lack of resources has resulted in inefficient management and limited expansion to enhance coverage.

                        Efficiencies in existing system are therefore twofold: (i) due to systemic deficiencies  and (ii) due to limited organizational capabilities. Investment in existing system, its augmentation and organizational strengthening will considerably enhance system management. Availability of resources has been also a function of realization of revenues, which have been affected due to inefficient supply or not achieving desired supply to the satisfaction of the people. The immediate short term and long term strategy is therefore to bring in efficiencies in management.

                        A strategy needs to be evolved for enhancing system performance by adopting simple measurable achievable realizable targets “SMART”. Based on the benchmarking study, performance targets could be set on the timescale and implemented in a phased manner to achieve efficiencies. The targets could be applied to enhance coverage, system losses, O&M costs etc. Bulk metering of the system (existing and proposed) shall be undertaken.

                        C. Develop core strengths in O&M for better management of the service

                        The organizational capabilities need to be enhanced towards better O&M management. There is a felt need to evolve capacities in efficient O&M practices and a comprehensive operations manual needs to be prepared and the municipal staff have to be trained in operating the system in a scientific manner.  While on one hand the entire capacity need not be created in the corporation and could be outsourced, on the other hand, the knowledge and skill base needs to be developed so as to be able to supervise and ensure service delivery as per the performance requirements.

                        F. Augment the existing system to cater to entire population

                        It is anticipated that water supply may be tripled in the long term. The existing system coverage needs to be expanded. The system also needs augmentation for ensuring extension to urban fringe areas in order to ensure economies of scale and sustainability of the system in a long-term.

                        A new system needs to be designed for South Nanded for which purpose there will be need to enhance in-house capacity for management. A master plan needs to be prepared for South Nanded to meet long term requirements. In case of North Nanded the Master Plan needs to be prepared duly considering the need to strengthen existing system as well as the long term demand of the region.

4.3.2.      Sewerage & Sanitation

                        The strategy for the sewerage sector primarily focuses on addressing key issues that have been identified:

a.       Assessment of existing system for integration. NWCMC should carry out a diagnosis of the sewerage existing system and propose a new system integrating as much of the existing system as possible. 

b.       Preparing a Sewerage Master Plan (including a slum sanitation plan) for full coverage of North Nanded and South Nanded. The sewerage plan should focus on the densely populated areas and potential development areas.

c.       Sanitation provisioning for the fringe and under-developed areas and slum areas. Such areas need to be serviced through decentralized low cost sanitation methods in a manner that they can be incorporated in the mainstream system as and when the achieve threshold sewage flows required for efficient functioning of the sewerage system.

d.       A comprehensive operations manual needs to be prepared and the municipal staff to be trained in operating the system in a scientific manner. As operations of sewerage system requires substantial skill sets, the function of management may be outsourced. The choice of outsourcing however needs to be studied.

e.       Implementation strategies for O&M- Organizational capacity for management of sewerage system is limited and shall have to be strengthened. As a part of the implementation program, the strategy would need to examine the option to  build up in-house capacity and outsource specific services to the extent possible such as the O&M of treatment plants, billing and collection etc.

f.        Sewerage sector is presently non-revenue generating and needs to be turned into a revenue generating service in the long term. After the construction of new sewerage system it may be proposed to revise the sewerage charges so that cost recovery is achieved.

4.3.3.      Storm Water Drainage

                        NWCMC needs to develop an adequate storm water drainage network in a scientific manner, taking into consideration key parameters of precipitation intensity, catchments delineation, percolation characteristics and surface runoff. 

                        The city has historically known to witness flooding. The primary reasons being inundation due to heavy flows in the river, obstructions in the riverine region near Nanded, unorganized development in predominantly low lying areas, obstructions in natural drains etc. About a lakh population living along the left bank of River Godavari are prone to high flood level and about its half are prone to low flood level. Besides, there is also localized flooding witnessed in the city every year during monsoon period. Slums are located in critical areas close to natural drains and low lying areas, which require immediate attention.

                        The Master Plan for drainage needs to be prepared which will examine the options for maximizing drainage. The existing system would also require correction and integration with the proposed system. While this would address localized flooding, the high flood prone areas along the bank of Godavari and near Asna river need to be examined critically and different options need to be assessed to minimize flooding in these areas. Indiscriminate development needs to be curbed. 

                        Despite efforts of relocating the affected population, the area close to the river banks has witnessed development. Strategic measures for minimizing impact of floods therefore need to be examined in greater detail. While training of natural drains draining into the river, would only ensure minimizing flooding in city, this would however, not have any impact due to high flows in river itself. Measures such as training of river to remove obstructions in river would be necessary, as well as importantly, upstream flow management needs to be considered. Any obstructions downstream of Nanded also need to be reviewed.

4.3.4.      Solid Waste Management

                        Solid waste handling and management needs to be considerably strengthened to ensure environmentally sound development and in compliance with the statutory requirements. The key issues highlighted include those associated with collection, transportation and disposal of wastes generated in the city.

                        The strategy for solid waste management therefore focuses on the following:

a.       Comprehensive study for solid waste management – Presently there is no scientific basis and assessment of type and quantum of wastes generated. Likewise for disposal of wastes appropriate site needs to be selected. A basket of suitable/appropriate cost-effective options need to be identified for solid waste management over the long term.

b.       Household waste collection- Waste collection should ensure segregation at source and separate management of segregated waste.

c.       Waste minimization- From long term perspective waste minimization may be explored and implemented wherever feasible. As the city has areas where this could be feasible, it is proposed to consider decentralized options for waste management at source/locality. ALM is also proposed which will ensure effective waste minimization and its management at source.

d.       Market waste management- Vegetable and market wastes could be separately transported to a common facility for disposal.

e.       Slaughter house waste/meat and poultry shops- This component of solid waste being highly bio-degradable needs to be managed in an environmental friendly manner. There is a need to assess the disposal requirements. PPP based disposal of these wastes may be explored for this purpose.

f.        Bio-medical waste management- Present collection is about 30 % of the approximate generated quantity, which gets mixed with the waste collected from the city. As per the statutory requirements, the collection and management needs to be enhanced to ensure proper segregated management of this category of waste. The capacity of the existing incinerator facility needs to be reviewed and augmented if required to dispose all such waste generated in the city.

4.3.5.      Transportation

                        A. Road Infrastructure

                        NWCMC has embarked on a major plan to widen, improve and strengthen the existing roads in the city to meet the Development Plan proposals.  This involves substantial land acquisition and encroachment removal.  NWCMC has commenced the process of acquiring the required right of way, through extensive consultation, and educating the project affected persons about the benefits of the initiatives of the city corporation.

                        NWCMC’s road improvement propositions, including road widening, bridges and Rail over bridges, need to be consciously prioritized and phased in a manner that ensures desired urban sprawls and densities in the city.  The improved roads should be developed applying best geometric, functional, drainage, safety and urban design parameters.

                        B. Other Transportation infrastructure

                                    In addition to the road and associated infrastructure, NWCMC needs to identify specific bottlenecks and trip generators that cause congestion in the city and develop projects to address them.  Such projects would include regulation / re-planning / relocating / of existing services and planning for new facilities – bus terminals, truck terminal, markets, etc.

                        C. Parking Infrastructure

                        Provision of facilities for parking is being looked into by the NWCMC. The strategy for developing parking facilities is as follows:

a.       To develop reserved areas for the public through TDR

b.       To explore the framework of Accommodation Reservation for getting such parking facilities developed through private sector involvement.

c.       To explore ground-level and underground parking as an integrated concept

                        Requirements for parking are expected to rise and there would be a greater need to upscale parking requirements as a part of the building permission. Presently, lack of integrated parking has led to indiscriminate parking along streets and arterial roads.

                        A cohesive strategy is required to address the parking needs which will facilitate management off traffic movement as well as parking. In this backdrop, there is a felt need to review DCR to facilitate integrated parking. Policy level strategic measure would be required and building permission bye-laws will require a modification to insist on provision of parking as a part of any developmental proposal.

                        Additionally, in the vicinity of commercial areas, parking facilities need to be provided for in the DP and which could be appropriately explored through suitable a PPP framework. Such projects could be taken up which would meet the short term requirements.

                        Similarly, parking for commercial vehicles needs to be provided for. Nanded being host to sizeable number of trucks and commercial vehicles due to trading aspects, requires a truck-terminal. The project could be appropriately structured on PPP basis. While the DP provides for reservation of land for this purpose, the appropriate location needs to be selected which will provide proximity to commercial markets, shall be sufficiently away from residential areas and preferably located along the bypasses/highways.

4.3.6.      Health Services

                        With Nanded aiming to develop into a regional health care center, there is un urgent need to lay greater emphasis on management of health care and preventive care to safeguard the citizens from harmful epidemics and spreading of disease. To start with there is a need to address the key concerns emerging from the existing situation analysis including:

a.       Strengthening facilities for primary and secondary health care

b.       Extension of health care coverage access to poor and economically weaker sections.

                        An immediate short-term plan is required to be prepared by NWCMC to enhance its preventive care program with wider outreach. This will take care of the immediate requirements.  A detailed proposal needs to be prepared to cater to this requirement.

                        From a long-term perspective, however, a concerted effort needs to be undertaken to draw upon the health sector needs of the city and how these could be addressed. The approach so far has been to undertake limited expansion, given the resources and the space for management. Without a proper strategy, it would be difficult to address the requirements in the years to come.

                        The private sector driven efforts are mostly in the tertiary health care where affordability is a big issue. Private sector players are expected to cater to only those sections of population which can afford such costs either directly or indirectly to the extent covered through insurance. Access to such services for the poor and economically weaker sections is constrained and the entire burden falls on the municipal hospitals. The outreach of the municipal hospitals needs to be therefore expanded and the existing capacities also need to be increased to enhance access.

                        In order to facilitate access to the underprivileged and weaker sections, appropriate incentives need to be factored into service provision through private sector driven hospitals. A suitable framework needs to be evolved which will address equitable access to all.

                        The management of existing municipal hospitals and health care services is another aspect, which needs attention. The general experience has been that service level and management of the municipal hospitals need to be enhanced. As the services are constrained by budgetary provisioning, this results in delays in expansion and replacement/maintenance of equipments. A management review to benchmark services and standards of such services is also felt necessary.

                        Based on the above, a medium term action plan for the health sector development is proposed for Nanded with thrust on the following:

a.       Benchmarking of existing services and standards and enhancement needed to upgrade to efficient and sound service level.

b.       Identifying gaps and issues related to referral system and developing an action plan based on these gaps

c.       Formulating a health strategy for addressing the health sector needs keeping in mind affordability and access for all

d.       Identifying potential health risk prone areas within the city and defining and implementing a preventive health care system for such areas.

e.       This could include integration of the existing programs of the State/Central Government for preventive care such as vaccination. However, it would be very important to know which areas are reporting endemic diseases, which pose constant threat and if feasible can be segregated and eradicated.

f.        Enforcement of activities based on prevailing environmental characteristics, which could have an impact on health. While no major health outbreaks are reported in the city, mapping of sensitive/risk-prone areas & locations and evolving appropriate management measures needs to be considered as a part of the environmental action plan.

                        Likewise effective management of wastes is also of prime importance to mitigate catastrophic incidents. Management of bio-medical waste, enforcement of measures for ensuring compliance with the standards and guidelines regarding disposal and evolving a framework for tracking and management would be considered by NWCMC to minimize health risks.

                        In the short term, key projects identified to be taken up include hospital Upgradation/modernization and strengthening of Public Health Centers. A study needs to be undertaken to formulate a health sector demand assessment.

4.3.7.      Education Services

                        The key concerns emerging from the situation analysis include:

a.       Poor maintenance of schools

b.       Rationalizing provision of schools and enhancing coverage/capacity in uncovered areas 

c.       Enhancing the Standard of Education

                        The Strategic Plan for education sector is based on assessment and requirements of the NWCMC. While it may be difficult to predict long term needs in the sector, the key objective of the Corporation in line with its primary duty function has been to enhance access to primary education over the short term. More particularly, as secondary and higher education is managed through aided institutions and private sector, NWCMC’s efforts need to be channelized more towards primary education.

                        The short term action plan thus includes:

a.       Restoration and Modernization of Schools: There is a need to repair the school buildings and improve the existing facilities.

b.       Provisioning of schools: In the old city area, the number of schools is just about adequate. However in new Nanded south of Godavari (or South Nanded area), the provisioning needs to be reviewed. As the DP for this area is under preparation the same needs to be reviewed for further development and provisioning for this purpose will have to be made by the NWCMC. Likewise urban renewal schemes need to include provision for educational infrastructure wherever existing capacity is found to be deficient.

                        With the thrust on developing Nanded into an educational center, the strategy is to support a sound base of educational facilities. Development in the sector is envisaged from mixed sources including public and private. While private resources could be explored for higher education, this could be feasible through accommodation reservation route and designated areas for educational purposes.

                        To ensure access to weaker sections, NWCMC may be required to enhance its capacity in provisioning for secondary and higher education also.

                        As a part of this action plan, activities like training classes, expert teachers’ lectures from reputed private schools for S.S.C. students, sports activities at district and state level, scouting and R.S.P. camps, physical training, computer training, exhibitions, workshops and seminars will have to be arranged every year to explore and improve the potential abilities and hidden talents among students, teachers and staff members of the Education Department.

                        Enhancing the standard of education: There is a need to review the performance of municipal schools to define/upgrade the standards of imparting education.  There is also a need to enhance the capabilities of teachers. With advancement of technologies in imparting education, multimedia based classes could be run to enhance the interest quotient of students as well as teachers. The following action points emerge in this regard-

a.       Training & capacity building of staff and teachers

b.       Use of technological tools to enhance quality and gain interest

c.       Introduction of reading clubs, provision of books and media based learning to enhance interest and focus towards learning

d.       Review impact of actions and feedback on the above

4.3.8.      Housing

                        Real estate development and market are the key to urban efficiency as they augment and allocate the critical asset of service-oriented urban areas – land.  The real estate has been consistently on the high and constrained in old Nanded and distorted by gunthevaari and encroachments.  The addition of new area south of Godavari river has minimized this land constraint, however, albeit partially.

                        Illegal plotting diminishes the potential of land development as well as its organized development and provisioning of infrastructure & services. Nanded has acute problem of this nature, which if not addressed could constrain the supply of land and restrict infrastructure provisioning. There is an urgent need to bring about the trend shift to organized development and strategize land development in yet undeveloped areas using the T.P scheme tool.

                        The State Government has been consistently trying to correct regulatory problems by adding or revising regulations and programs.  These include programs to improve or redevelop slums and ensure housing for weaker sections. A most recent innovation, the “transferable development right (TDR)”, has given a welcome injection of energy to property development as well as better housing for a small number of slum residents. 

                        The housing sector needs to be opened up to assure access to housing to meet incremental demand as well as to accommodate all slum population. The strategic actions/directions required are summarized below.

                        A. Actions for housing access to Slum Dwellers and Economically Weaker Sections

a.       Redevelopment of slum areas should focus on participatory development. Communities should be given preference to opt for greater spaces over and above the permissible area specified as tenure grant for a price.  Since the main purpose of tenure grant is to allow the owners choice and thereby unlock the market value of the assets, suitability and need for redevelopment should be left for the residents and the market to decide. The beneficiary association could be evolved on the lines similar to condominium associations in the US and UK. 

b.       Cross-subsidization with commercial development should be explored so as to minimize the burden on the government budgets. Budgetary support could thus be restricted to viability gap support, sufficient for making the schemes viable for attracting private sector interest. At the same time, the State Government should also consider innovative means such as use of TDR and incremental FSI as incentives to facilitate greater leveraging. Incentive FSI for increasing housing stock should however be mapped based on the local parameters and environmental and infrastructure conditions.

c.       Temporary housing requirements may be met through housing assistance provided in the form of public rental housing and temporary shelter.  The proposed designation of certain areas for low-income housing would create another regulatory expedient that could counter fundamental concerns.   

                        At the same time, measures should be established to ensure prevention of further encroachment. 

                        B. Actions for Increasing Housing Stock

a.       Variable/Higher FSI: Fixed FSI norm for development of real estate and housing may be replaced with one that varies according to infrastructure need  and environmental limits.  The present FSI is limited to 1, which in the years to some will limit land supply. Variable FSI may be considered for areas accessible by rail and metro.  The region wise norms for development should be evaluated based on strategic options analysis for development of each zone/locality under the urban renewal program. This should therefore be supported through a study prior to deciding on the variable FSI norm as a policy measure and incentive for development.

Variable FSI norm would however need to be examined critically as it would constrain existing infrastructure and could be explored wherever new development is proposed. For example, in South Nanded, land development could be strategized from a long term perspective with application of variable FSI for variable uses.

b.       Redevelopment of Unused Government Lands/Old Mill Area: There is considerable amount of land owned and used by government organizations.  The central and state governments may permit the use of the land for higher value use.  One such measure would be a combination of internal pricing of land and permission to keep part of the land transfer or redevelopment proceeds or a share of the profits.

                        C. Policy Level Measures

                        Procedures for building permits should be streamlined, with devolution of much of the powers of review and approval.  This will require planning and environmental review capabilities at the municipal level. “Easy Plan” based approach for simplifying procedures for grant of building permissions will help in streamlining the existing system of management and compliance with development control rules.                      

4.4.            Urban Basic Services to the Poor

 4.4.1.      Housing

                        It is necessary to create about 26,000 low-cost houses for slum dwellers by redesigning the Slum Redevelopment Scheme and offering residents a range of options, customized to their location and to the quality of their dwelling, Broadly, slums fall into three categories:

a.       Re-developed slum areas with more than 275 sq.ft. of floor space per housing unit: These slums may be converted into homes simply by granting tenure to the residents, in exchange for adherence to building norms and a nominal sum (Rs. 100 per sq.ft.). The Municipal Corporation can use the incremental revenues to fund improvements in water, sanitation and other infrastructure. The newly approved Gunthevari legislation can be adopted for such areas.

b.       Slums dwellers needing rehabilitation but living in an acceptable area:  These slums can be developed in situ. It may be considered to grant tenure rights to the residents on the condition of joining a slum-wide improvement scheme. The NWCMC could develop the project and solicit transparent bids from pre-selected developers. The contract could be bid out for highest payment for an FSI or go to the lowest FSI required to implement the projects with cross-subsidy.

c.       Slums dwellers who require rehabilitation and live in sensitive areas: In the case of slums located in sensitive areas such as flood prone areas, it is proposed that residents be relocated. They can be moved to unused government lands or private lands in the vicinity. The slum households could form their own societies and develop their part without any limitations on the size of dwelling, but subject to limitations of FSI admissible under Slum Redevelopment Scheme (SRS).

4.4.2.      Urban Basic Services

a.       NWCMC should focus on increasing the water supply system coverage of slum households under the proposed “Group Connection Scheme” or “Own Your Own Connection” scheme.

b.       NWCMC should implement the Slum Sanitation Program for achieving full coverage. The program is proposed to be designed to provide safe sanitation facilities to 100 per cent of slum population over the next five years.  This will include construction of public toilet facilities, sewerage systems, conservancy infrastructure, storm water drains, etc. in slum areas.

c.       NWCMC should scale up the Slum Adoption Scheme for Solid Waste Management, involving the slum community in conservancy operations and management

d.       NWCMC should provide proper roads lined with storm water drains in the slum settlements so as to avoid water logging and associated nuisance

                        NWCMC should audit the coverage, effectiveness and patronage of municipal health and education facilities and devise programs so as to enhance access through PHCs and primary schools.

4.5.            Institutional Development Strategies

                         NWCMC is a municipal corporation in a nascent stage – upgraded from a municipal council in 1997.  The human resource capacity and exposure for planning and development is limited and needs to be strengthened. 

                        There is also a need to streamline systems and procedures for day-to-day functioning and instill a robust management information system that facilitates efficient planning, monitoring and decision-making. 

4.5.1.      Human Resource (HR) Development

                        A. Formulation of a HR Policy

                        NWCMC should draft and adopt a comprehensive HR policy that addressed key human resource development elements like HR maintenance, rewards and incentives, training and development, recruitment systems, career planning, etc.

a.       HR Maintenance: Rationalization of recruitment systems, policy and plan for addressing the daily-wage workforce, including mechanisms for regularizing/terminating their services, cohesive functional structures with detailed staffing patterns and job descriptions, prompt filling up gaps arising out of retirements / resignations, continuous manpower planning to ensure availability of desired quantity and quality of manpower for various functional departments, etc.

b.       HR Productivity: Preparing and implementing a mechanism for performance assessment and performance-based rewards and incentives.  The policy for rewards and incentives could consider factors of performance, initiatives, commitment, training/capacity building initiatives and target achievements, etc.  The focus of such a mechanism/policy could ensure employee satisfaction and enhance productivity.

c.       Right-Sizing: Adopting multi-skilling technique to ensure most effective utilization of municipal staff and to achieve the objective of right sizing.  A key parameter for right sizing is the option of appropriate “hiring and firing”, which would not be possible at NWCMC due to limitations posed by relevant legislation and rules.  However, a multi-skilling technique through appropriate training of existing staff for different complementary functions would help in better utilization of municipal staff and achieving the objective of right sizing.

                        B. Training/Capacity Building

                        This is a very critical element of human resource development.  The municipal staff and elected members alike need to be exposed on a continuous basis to modern / alternate methods of planning and development.  The strategy for training and capacity building should cover:

a.       Carrying out a detailed training needs assessment to address reorganization and restructuring based on NWCMC’s functional requirements, considering current staff qualifications, skills and exposure at all levels;

b.       Structuring and implementing a change management orientation program for all levels of municipal staff and convincing them of the “need for change” and hence need for relevant training and capacity building.  The program could highlight challenges that the Corporation is likely to face in the near term in terms of knowledge and skill gaps at different levels, demands of the reforms process, functional devolutions, etc.; and

c.       Developing comprehensive training programs for different levels of municipal staff and elected councilors, strategically addressing skills/knowledge enhancement needs of the Corporation.

d.       Creating a facilitative environment for application of new skills gained through the training and capacity building initiatives – thereby gaining from the training & capacity building efforts and instilling among employees, a demand for continuous and higher levels training

4.5.2.      E-Governance Applications

a.       Streamlining systems and procedures: The Corporation’s operations are presently manual and at each step human intervention is involved which is time consuming and depends on availability and capacity of the key staff.

Maintaining records on a easily retrievable form and developing an integrated database is necessary for efficient management. There is also a felt need to streamline procedures in order to cut down response times and for efficient service delivery.

Development of an integrated database would provide a good tool for monitoring consumer base, licensing, taxation, service delivery and also ensure integrated billing and collection, and strengthen municipal revenue collection function.

b.       Development of an integrated ERP system: The Corporation has proposed to implement an integrated ERP package. Following applications have been proposed to be taken up: Finance/accounting modules, Citizen Facilitation Centers in Wards and important places, Human Resource Management, Material Management, Estate Management, Fleet Management and property tax assessment. Importantly, the ERP package would be bilingual and it is envisaged that the Total Solution Provider (TSP) would maintain the software for an initial period. The process of selection of the TSP is expected to be completed by March 2007 and the system is expected to be commissioned in 2008.

                        The status of some of the applications of NWCMC is given below.

c.       Customized software application for simplifying building construction approval procedures: NWCMC has proposed to put in place a customized software package as a tool to simplify procedure for approval of building and sites for construction.

NWCMC plans to make obtaining of construction permissions a citizen-friendly exercise, which will encourage property owners to seek legal permissions for their intended developments. Use of GIS and IT tools will be integrated. NWCMC proposes to outsource the creation of the Planning and Construction Dept. The existing “Easy-Plan” methodology used in Bangalore regarding residential constructions is proposed to be implemented in the first instance.

4.5.3.      Development of a GIS-based System

                        GIS based application has bene proposed for land use managemenbt and property tax assessment. GIS has been proposed as a decision support tool for planning, managing and maintaining local body or municipality. It includes both spatial and aspatial information required for facility/assets management, tax assessment and collection, solid waste disposal and management of grant of plan approvals/permissions with customized tools.

a.       Assessment of land use patterns

b.       Assessment of property tax

c.       Assessment of land use / floor space index violation

d.       Assessment of ownership change / sales transaction

e.       Analyze a property for grant of approval / permission

4.5.4.      Tourist-Citizen Facilitation Centers (TCFCs)

                        As a part of its citizen centric development strategy, facilitation centers have been proposed to be developed by the NWCMC which would enhance access and help in providing services without human interface.

                        The integrated database would form the important part of this component. A host of citizen services are proposed to be provided through these centers. The concept essentially would replicate service provision, bill payments, receiving applications etc. which have been already initiated in Bangalore, Kalyan-Dombivili.

                        Importantly, the TCFCs would provide web based access and tourism based information to tourists. Presently, as the Nanded town lacks a tourism office, the TCFCs are viewed more significantly for facilitating tourism. The TCFCs are proposed to be located at prime locations such as bus stand, railway station, airport, important areas in town.

                        The initial 5 TCFCs are proposed to be set up by the Corporation. The roll out for full city coverage with about 25 TCFCs is expected to be done in a systematic manner based on response and modifications that may be necessary based on initial feedback and operations.

4.5.5.      Public Private Partnerships 

While Nanded is engaging on an ambitious path of reforms and enhancing its creditworthiness, it has recognised the need to evolve and strengthen its capacity to deliver  services as well as bring in efficiencies in its management functions. NWCMC has strategically proposed to embark on Public Private Partnership mode in two key areas: (i) for infrastructure development and maintenance, and (ii) has been key strategic option considered for municipal functions and services.  

As a demonstration of PPP, for planning, implementation and roll out, NWCMC has appointed IL&FS as its strategic partner and Program Manager to strengthen and complement its efforts. IL&FS brings together its vast experience and strengths to support NWCMC in timely implementation and ensure development that would be sustainable and meet the vision objectives. Apart from this, with advice and support from IL&FS, NWCMC has also proposed to consciously undertake reform oriented development which would enhance creditworthiness and debt sustenance capacity necessary to strengthen municipal revenue base and capacity to implement the much-needed large scale infrastructure development for the city. 

                        A. For infrastructure development & maintenance

PPPs are envisaged for infrastructure development and maintenance. The extent of involvement may be limited to construction and/or operation and maintenance to start with in water supply, sanitation, roads & bridges, but high in case of those with commercial potential such as truck terminus, hotels/hospitality management, amusement parks, entertainment infrastructure etc.

Slum area development could be taken up on PPP basis in case of slums on prime lands in the city with good commercial potential. 

In the present context and the urgent need to construct infrastructure facilities in time for the city to be in readiness for the tercentenary celebrations, the construction would be driven with implementation strategies that facilitate ease and expeditious construction.

While the O&M of the facilities is required to be managed on a sustainable format, this  needs to be addressed such that the EPC Contract dovetails responsibility for O&M and ensures training and capacity building as well as overcoming rectification of defects that would typically surface after start of operations. The extended O&M responsibility allocation to the EPC contractor would support the objective.

Usually, short term contracts limit interest of the private sector and could turn out to be expensive, in a limited market situation. Subsequently, managing smooth operations and maintenance, the long term O&M contracts could therefore be bid out by the Corporation, which will ensure commitment and optimize O&M costs.

In health and education sector, development of new facilities could be with private sector participation and exploring cross-subsidisation. NWCMC will explore provision of services in slum areas through slum adoption scheme and private sector involvement wherever feasible. A strategy may be evolved so as to make such services affordable, and on an inclusive format.

                        B. For other municipal functions & services

            Municipal functions and services such as billing and collection, developing and maintaining a computerized database, generation of property tax bills, octroi collection, meter reading and spot billing, town planning and land use management, computerized  accounts and cash management are the key municipal functions proposed to be outsourced on contractual basis. Some of these initiatives form part of the reform action plan proposed by NWCMC and the Memorandum of Agreement proposed to be executed under the JNNURM. 

            Facilitation to citizens is proposed to be met through the tourist and citizen facilitation centers, which would also be taken up on PPP basis.           

4.6.            Financial Management Strategies

4.6.1.      Maintenance and Reporting of Accounts

                        The key to good financial management is a good system of maintenance and reporting of accounts – a system that provides a clear picture of assets and liabilities at all times; and other relevant information whenever required for planning and decision-making.  NWCMC follows the traditional single entry – cash-based accounting system as per Maharashtra Municipal Accounts Code, 1971, which is inadequate in terms of the MIS requirements of today.  The strategy requirement in order to address this include:

a.       Establishing a modified accrual-based accounting system in NWCMC so as to enable preparation of a clear balance sheet depicting status of current assets (receivables) and liabilities (payments due);

b.       Computerizing the municipal accounting system so as to ensure accurate transaction, recording, and reporting.

4.6.2.      Revenue Generation and Realization

a.       Implementation of self-assessment declaration system of property tax and re-building up of tax demand registers

b.       Reconciling the number of tax, water and sewerage assessments and updating their respective demand registers

c.       Formulating and implementing a scheme for regularization of Gunthevaari lands (unauthorized layouts) through levy of a regularization charge – thereby ensuring substantial revenue realizations as also opening up a large area to the formal/legitimate development process

d.       Carrying out detailed audits to arrive at appropriate user charges and tariffs that ensure cost-recovery in key service areas such as water supply, sewerage, solid waste management, etc.

e.       Improving tax and user charge administration through GIS-based systems

f.        Enhancing tax and user charge collection through effective measures and systems of facilitation (like collection through designated banks, discounts for timely payments, etc.) and penalties (penalize defaulters by imposing a surcharge on delayed payments, temporary disconnection of services, etc.)

g.       Designing and implementing a comprehensive computerized tax management system, including effective assessment numbering, cross-referencing procedures, and billing and collection systems.   The system should be designed so as to facilitate uplinking to the envisaged ERP system for NWCMC.

4.6.3.      Application of Funds

a.       Ensuring appropriate application of resources from the municipal fund – with a priority for debt servicing and clearing creditor dues

b.       Reducing the establishment expenditure to revenue income ratio through measures of expenditure control and revenue enhancement – ensuring adequate availability of resources for operation and maintenance of utilities, and for capital investments

c.       Exploring the possibility of implementing an appropriately designed contribution-based pension system – currently pension liabilities are met from the general municipal fund

d.       Ascertaining the exact status of liabilities (MSEB, V Pay Commission Arrears, GoM, MJP, Debt, etc.) and devising a time-bound plan to clear the liabilities – a key measure to enhance credit-worthiness of the ULB