THE CHANGING FACE OF URBAN BIHAR 1. General Background 1.1 The degree of urbanisation in India is amongst the lowest in the world. As per the UN estimates for the year 2000, 47% of total population of the world live in urban areas. The percentage of urban population in Asia is 36.7% while that of Europe, South America and north America are 74.8%, 79.8% and 77.2% respectively. 1.2 The Census of 2001 has demonstrated that urban centers in India are continuing to grow at a pace faster than rural areas. Comparing with other states and union territories, Bihar occupies a place second from the bottom with respect to the level of urbanisation which is only 10.5% compared to the national average of 27.8%. The pace of urbanisation has also been slower in India as compared to other countries in the world. As per the UN estimates, the degree of urbansation in the world in 1950 was around 30 percent which increased to 47 percent in the year 2000. In India, it has increased from 17.3 in 1951 to 27.8 is 2001. China, which had lower levels of urbanisation in 1950 have now overtaken India with percentage of urban population of 32.1 percent.
Table 1: Indicators on Urbanization Slum Literacy Sex population Urban rate in ratio in as % of poverty urban urban urban (%) (Rs. Crore) areas areas population Per capita income
Name of States
Level of Urbanisation
Growth Rate
All India
27.78
2.7
9660.3
23.62
900
14.12
70.1
Delhi
93.01
4.1
19091
9.42
821
15.8
70.74
Maharashtra
42.4
2.9
15805
26.81
874
25.95
75.19
Bihar
10.5
2.6
4397
32.91
869
5.85
64.53
2. An Overview of Urban Sector in Bihar 2.1 The growth of population and influx into urban areas has put urban infrastructure and services under a severe stress. The increasing pressure on urban environment
is taking its toll on the quality of life of the urban population. The urban population growth is much higher than the rate of population growth. The urban population grew to 84.59 lakh in 1991-2001 period as against the decadal growth of 63.31 lakh reported in 1991 census. Bihar, the 3rd largest state in terms of total population size, occupies the 11th position in terms of urban population. Following is some statistics, which reveal the urban scenario in Bihar. 2.2 The level of urbanization in Bihar is clearly much lower (10.5%) than the national average of about 28%. As against this, urban poverty is as high as 32.91% against the national average of 23.62
3. The Changing face of Urban Bihar 3.1 Cities hold tremendous potential as engines of economic and social development, creating jobs and generating wealth through economies of scale. They need to be sustained and augmented through the high urban productivity for better economic growth. For cities to become growth oriented and productive it is essential to achieve a world class urban system. This in turn depends on attaining efficiency and equity in the delivery and financing of urban infrastructure. However, the approach to the process of urbanisation has been largely "reactive" in the sense that problems have sought to the addressed in a knee-jerk manner. Urban planning needs to be anticipating and based upon an integrated approach to address the various dimensions of urban development. Infrastructure inadequacies in urban areas are a major factor constraining Bihar’s growth. The task before the new government was, therefore, first sensitisation of all stakeholders to the enormity of the problem, secondly to garner the additional resources to augment civic amenities, and lastly to ensure growth of the urban areas in a systematic and sustainable manner. The strategy adopted was many folded; and stress was given on Urban Reforms.
Effective implementation of decentralisation as envisaged in 74th CAA. 3.2 The real spirit of the 74 CAA was to make the urban local bodies into vibrant self-governing institutions. However, the mere incorporation of the provisions of the 12th schedule could not literally make a shift over. In order that the urban local bodies can perform the function assigned to them, financial autonomy has to be imparted. The State legislature shall assign specific taxes, duties, tolls and levies and authorise the local bodies to impose, collect and appropriate the same.
Repeal of Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act.
3.3 The prevailing Urban Land Ceiling and Regulation Act was a stumbling block in the large scale investment in the urban sector, especially in the housing and
commercial enterprises sector. The state has taken a bold step to repeal the same, paving the way for attracting large scale private investment in the sector.
Rationalisation of stamp duty 3.4 Corrective steps has been taken to down scale the stamp duty towards the prescribed 5%. At present, it has been brought down from the exiting 18% to 10%.
Association of elected municipalities with the city planning functions. 3.5 Enactment of a community participation law, so as to institutionalise citizens participation in local decision making.
Other Initiatives 3.6 Enactment of Bihar Apartment Ownership Act 2006: Under this, registration of property has been made compulsory. Each and every case of apartment ownership and transfer will be considered ' to be compulsorily registered', item as enlisted under sec.16 of Registration Act (1908). The builders of the multi storied building can be booked under the act for not complying with the provisions for which there are stringent penal provisions. If the builder fails to register the property, the owner can apply before the competent person for the same. The vice chairman of the Regional Development Authority Act in the area of operation of the Regional Development Authority Act 1981 and the District Magistrate in other areas has been declared as the competent persons for this. 3.7 Amendment in multiplexes and cinema rules: With the intention to improve private investment opportunity in the areas of multiplexes and entertainment sector, amendments have been incorporated in the exiting rules. Under the exiting provisions, proprietor was not authorised to change the sitting capacity of the hall nor he could have increase the entry fee. By notification no. 3282 dt. 24-08-06, sub rule(1) of rule 27 of Bihar Cinema (enactment) Rules has been amended and now the proprietor is free to change the entry fee, as well as to change the sitting capacity under intimation to the authorities Building bye laws were amended to facilitated construction of malls multiplexe. Such bye-laws did not exit earlier. 3.8 Amendment ha been made in the Bihar Regional Development Rule 1982; Listed Registered Architects are now empowered to sanction the building plan up to 500 sq meter area, thus facilitating an easy and hassle free administration. 3.9 E-governance- Introduction of a system of e-governance using IT application, GIS and MIS for various urban services has been initiated.
3.10 Levy of reasonable user charges! The CDP prepared for PUAA and Bodhgaya clearly spells out the user charges in different services and thus makes a sustainable outlook. 3.11 Revision of bye-laws: By the notification no. 308 dt. 7-04-06 provisions for structural safety norms, rainwater harvesting and adoption of water conservation measures and land scaping measures, access path /walk way, parking, corridor connecting to the entrance/provision for disabled persons have been incorporated. 3.12 Computerised registration of land and property, and property title certification has been introduced. 3.13 Encouraging public private partnership. Many ULBs have taken up street lighting, solid waste management activities involving the private sector. The Patna Regional Development Authority has recently finalised an agreement with IDFC for the development of various infrastructure development including beautification schemes in Patna on the PPP rule. 3.14 Modern and transparents- budgeting, accounting and financial management system being designed to be adopted for all urban services and governance functions. Many Local Bodies have already adopted the double entry System. 4. Development Activities under taken. 4.19 Under JNNURM, two towns Patna agglomeration and Bodh-Gaya have been taken up. The City Development Plans for both has been submitted to Government of India. The State Government has earmarked Rs. 500 crore in the annual budget of 2006-07 for JNNURM. Emphasis has been given in creating and augmenting basic infrastructure facilities in water supply sewerage, storm water, drainage solid waste management, roads and bridges, street lighting, tourism and heritage sectors. The CDP for Patna suggests an investments proposal to the tune of roughly Rs. 3580 crore, for a period of 7 Years. The DPR for the road projects worth Rs. 129 crore, and for the underground cabling for water pumps worth Rs. 40 crores are ready. Moreover, the DPRs for Patna city other projects are under preparation by consultants, which will be ready in a period of 4 months. As per the guide lines the State level Steering Committees, headed by the Chief Minister has been constituted. The meeting of the steering Committee has been held in the month of September, 2006 and sanctioned some DPRs under JNNURM for Patna agglomeration. The sanctioned DPRs as listed below have been submitted to the Government of India:Sl. No.
DPRs
SLSC Sanctioned Amount
(Rs. in lacs.)
1
Road Development
2
Under Ground Cabling to strengthen the 4020-42 Water supply
3
Sewerage Project
14150-00
4
Strom Water Drainage
73153-50
12930-80
Total 104254-72 4.2 Under the 12th Finance Commission schemes worth Rs. 203 crore has been cleared and Rs. 60 crore released for the year 2006-07:Sl. No.
Item
Estimated cost
Sanctioned Amount
(Rs. in lacs) (Rs. in lacs) 1
Patna Municipal Corporation
Water Supply & Sanitation 5752-12
2072-28
127-72
127-72
2
Muzaffarpur
Water Supply
2000-00
400-00
3
Dharbanga
Water Supply
2112-67
400-00
4
Chapra
Water Supply & Sanitation
800-83
800-83
214-22
214-22
5
Munger
Water Supply
1380-48
1280-48
6
Purnia
Water Supply & Sanitation
625-25
205-54
498-93
498-93
7
Bhagalpur
Strom Drainage
6900-236
Under process
4.3 In addition to this, in the financial year 2005-06 a total sum of Rs. 101.65 crore schemes was sanctioned by the new Government. and funds were released to Patna
Municipal Corporation, Bhagalpur Municipal Corporation, Muzaffarpur, Dharbanga, Purnia, Siwan, Ara, Kathihar, Dehri Dalmianagar, Bihar Shari, Sasaram, Begusarai, Serghati, Mhanar, Haweli Khadhakpur, Areraj, Shivhar, Jhajha, Khalgaiou, Dalsingsarai, Lalganj, Rafiganj, Dehri & Islampur.
The following table indicates the many fold increase in the plan fund for the year 2006-07 as compare to the annual plan of 2005-06. (Rs. in lakhs)
Sl. No.
Plan
Plan outlay for
2005-2006
2006-2007
Sector
1
Water supply & sanitation
a.
Water Supply (on going schemes)
3284.00
880.37
b
Water Supply
7142.02
919.63
64.30
00.00
7142.02
1200.00
286.99
230.00
17919.34
3230.00
-
-
00
50000.00
c
d
(new schemes)
Sanitation and Clearness Drainage/Sewerage/ Solid west Management and other sanitation scheme (on going & new) Grant to B. R. J. P. (establishment) Total (1):-
2
Urban Development
a
Centrally Sponsored Schemes (State Share)
i
National Urban Renewal Mission
ii
Integrated Housing Programme
Development
00
300.00
iii
Urban Infrastructure scheme of small medium towns/UIDSSMT
391.52
1000.00
iv
Swarn Jayanti Sahari Rojgar Yojana
156.00
280.00
v
Establishment of Urban Information System /NUIS
00
24.72
547.52
54834.72
00.00
6000.00
571.00
389.28
&
slum
Total (2):b
Grant to Urban Local Bodies under Finance Commission
c
Civic Amenities
d
Grant to Urban Local Bodies for construction/renovation of distractive & technical buildings
e
Master Plan, Project Reports preparation and Capacity building
3.
Urban Roads & Bridges Grant Total
5.
0.00
500.00
300.00
100.00
3000.01
2000.00
22337.86
63824.00
Other Important Steps Taken
5.1 The Most challenging task before the department was to find out a solution for the perennial problem of the kankarbagh drainage. The Government has taken a bold step and sanctioned a comprehensive project of Rs. 2280 lakhs and nominated the NBCC to go ahead in a turnkey basis. 5.2 Appointment of Consultants for DPR preparation consultants have been appointed in the five Municipal corporations along with Bihar and Ara for the preparation of detailed project Reports. The consultant Ms/ Ramkey Infrastructure Consulting Pvt. Ltd. has been given the task for Patna, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Bodhgaya and Muzaffarpur. Ms/ Shah Technology Pvt. Ltd. has been given the task in Darbanga, Biharsharif and Ara. The consultants are given an ultimatum to prepare the projects in a time span of 4-5 months. 5.3 For the first time in the history of Urban Development of Bihar, the ULBs were given Rs. 1200 lakh for purchase of improved equipments to facilitate sanitation operation. 5.4 The HUDCO has been nominated for the preparation of Master Plan of the important towns of Chapra, Ara, Biharsharif, Rajgir, Gaya, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, & Bhagalpur. 5.5 The Master Plan of Patna has been prepared and published for inviting objection. 5.6 The list of Unauthorised buildings without a sanction plan was prepared and severe action, amounting to even evacuation and demolition of building was taken up in certain extreme eases. 5.7 A workshop was organised on 'Healthy city concept' with the joint effort of the Department of Health and world Health Organisation. The seminar was a success for
awareness creation in the public, stressed the relevance of co-ordinate and committed efforts from government and Non-governmental organsation to face the serious challenges of public health, sanitation and environmental pollution. 5.8 The Department has bestowed with a professional touch by hiring the service of a competent consultant Ms/ ICRA management consultant for a contract period of one year. The terms and condition and MOA reached with the consultant can be described as a model one in this direction.
A brief note for two-days conference scheduled to be held on 17-18, November, 2006 at Hyderabad The degree of urbanisation in India is amongst the lowest in the world. As per the UN estimates for the year 2000, 47% of total population of the world live in urban areas. The percentage of urban population in Asia is 36.7% while that of Europe, South America and north America are 74.8%, 79.8% and 77.2% respectively. The Census of 2001 has demonstrated that urban centers in India are continuing to grow at a pace faster than rural areas. Comparing with other states and union territories, Bihar occupies a place second from the bottom with respect to the level of urbanisation which is only 10.5% compared to the national average of 27.8%. The pace of urbanisation has also been slower in India as compared to other countries in the world. As per the UN estimates, the degree of urbansation in the world in 1950 was around 30 percent which increased to 47 percent in the year 2000. In India, it has increased from 17.3 in 1951 to 27.8 is 2001. China, which had lower levels of urbanisation in 1950 have now overtaken India with percentage of urban population of 32.1 percent. Table 2: Indicators on Urbanization
Name of States
Level of Urbanisation
Growth Rate
All India Delhi Maharashtra Bihar
27.78 93.01 42.4 10.5
2.7 4.1 2.9 2.6
2.
Slum Literacy Sex population Per capita Urban rate in ratio in as % of poverty income urban urban urban (%) (Rs. Crore) areas areas population 9660.3 23.62 900 14.12 70.1 19091 9.42 821 15.8 70.74 15805 26.81 874 25.95 75.19 4397 32.91 869 5.85 64.53
An Overview of Urban Sector in Bihar
The growth of population and influx into urban areas has put urban infrastructure and services under a severe stress. The increasing pressure on urban environment is taking its toll on the quality of life of the urban population. The urban population growth is much higher than the rate of population growth. The urban population grew to 84.59 lakh in 1991-2001 period as against the decadal growth of 63.31 lakh reported in 1991 census. Bihar, the 3rd largest state in terms of total population size, occupies the 11th position in terms of urban population. Following is some statistics, which reveal the urban scenario in Bihar. The level of urbanization in Bihar is clearly much lower (10.5%) than the national average of about 28%. As against this, urban poverty is as high as 32.91% against the national average of 23.62
3.
The Changing face of Urban Bihar
Cities hold tremendous potential as engines of economic and social development, creating jobs and generating wealth through economies of scale. They need to be sustained and augmented through the high urban productivity for better economic growth. For cities to become growth oriented and productive it is essential to achieve a world class urban system. This in turn depends on attaining efficiency and equity in the delivery and financing of urban infrastructure. However, the approach to the process of urbanisation has been largely "reactive" in the sense that problems have sought to the addressed in a knee-jerk manner. Urban planning needs to be anticipating and based upon an integrated approach to address the various dimensions of urban development. Infrastructure inadequacies in urban areas are a major factor constraining Bihar’s growth. The task before the new government was, therefore, first sensitisation of all stakeholders to the enormity of the problem, secondly to garner the additional resources to augment civic amenities, and lastly to ensure growth of the urban areas in a systematic and sustainable manner. The strategy adopted was many folded; and stress was given on Urban Reforms.
Effective implementation of decentralisation as envisaged in 74th CAA. The real spirit of the 74 CAA was to make the urban local bodies into vibrant selfgoverning institutions. However, the mere incorporation of the provisions of the 12th schedule could not literally make a shift over. In order that the urban local bodies can perform the function assigned to them, financial autonomy has to be imparted. The State legislature shall assign specific taxes, duties, tolls and levies and authorise the local bodies to impose, collect and appropriate the same.
Repeal of Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act. The prevailing Urban Land Ceiling and Regulation Act was a stumbling block in the large scale investment in the urban sector, especially in the housing and commercial enterprises sector. The state has taken a bold step to repeal the same, paving the way for attracting large scale private investment in the sector.
Rationalisation of stamp duty Corrective steps has been taken to down scale the stamp duty towards the prescribed 5%. At present, it has been brought down from the exiting 18% to 10%.
Association of elected municipalities with the city planning functions. Enactment of a community participation law, so as to institutionalise citizens participation in local decision making.
Other Initiatives Enactment of Bihar Apartment Ownership Act 2006: Under this, registration of property has been made compulsory. Each and every case of apartment ownership and transfer will be considered ' to be compulsorily registered', item as enlisted under sec.16 of Registration Act (1908). The builders of the multi storied building can be booked under the act for not complying with the provisions for which there are stringent penal provisions. If the builder fails to register the property, the owner can apply before the competent person for the same. The vice chairman of the Regional Development Authority Act in the area of operation of the Regional Development Authority Act 1981 and the District Magistrate in other areas has been declared as the competent persons for this. Amendment in multiplexes and cinema rules: With the intention to improve private investment opportunity in the areas of multiplexes and entertainment sector, amendments have been incorporated in the exiting rules. Under the exiting provisions, proprietor was not authorised to change the sitting capacity of the hall nor he could have increase the entry fee. By notification no. 3282 dt. 24-08-06, sub rule-(1) of rule 27 of Bihar Cinema (enactment) Rules has been amended and now the proprietor is free to change the entry fee, as well as to change the sitting capacity under intimation to the authorities Building bye laws were amended to facilitated construction of malls multiplexe. Such bye-laws did not exit earlier. Amendment ha been made in the Bihar Regional Development Rule 1982; Listed Registered Architects are now empowered to sanction the building plan up to 500 sq meter area, thus facilitating an easy and hassle free administration. E-governance- Introduction of a system of e-governance using IT application, GIS and MIS for various urban services has been initiated. Levy of reasonable user charges! The CDP prepared for PUAA and Bodhgaya clearly spells out the user charges in different services and thus makes a sustainable outlook. Revision of bye-laws: By the notification no. 308 dt. 7-04-06 provisions for structural safety norms, rainwater harvesting and adoption of water conservation measures and land scaping measures, access path /walk way, parking, corridor connecting to the entrance/provision for disabled persons have been incorporated. Computerised registration of land and property, and property title certification has been introduced. Encouraging public private partnership: - Many ULBs have taken up street lighting, solid waste management activities involving the private sector. The Patna Regional Development Authority has recently finalised an agreement with IDFC for the development of various infrastructure development including beautification schemes in Patna on the PPP rule.
Modern and transparent:- budgeting, accounting and financial management system being designed to be adopted for all urban services and governance functions. Many Local Bodies have already adopted the double entry System. 4.
Development Activities under taken.
Under JNNURM, two towns Patna agglomeration and Bodh-Gaya have been taken up. The City Development Plans for both has been submitted to Government of India. The State Government has earmarked Rs. 500 crore in the annual budget of 2006-07 for JNNURM. Emphasis has been given in creating and augmenting basic infrastructure facilities in water supply sewerage, storm water, drainage solid waste management, roads and bridges, street lighting, tourism and heritage sectors. The CDP for Patna suggests an investments proposal to the tune of roughly Rs. 3580 crore, for a period of 7 Years. The DPR for the road projects worth Rs. 129 crore, and for the underground cabling for water pumps worth Rs. 40 crores are ready. Moreover, the DPRs for Patna city other projects are under preparation by consultants, which will be ready in a period of 4 months. As per the guide lines the State level Steering Committees, headed by the Chief Minister has been constituted. The meeting of the steering Committee has been held in the month of September, 2006 and sanctioned some DPRs under JNNURM for Patna agglomeration. The sanctioned DPRs as listed below have been submitted to the Government of India:Sl. No.
1 2
DPRs
SLSC Sanctioned Amount (Rs. in lacs.)
Road Development 12930-80 Under Ground Cabling to strengthen the Water 4020-42 supply Sewerage Project 14150-00 Strom Water Drainage 73153-50
3 4
Total 104254-72 Under the 12th Finance Commission schemes worth Rs. 203 crore has been cleared and Rs. 60 crore released for the year 2006-07:Sl. No. 1
Item
2 3 4
Patna Municipal Corporation Muzaffarpur Dharbanga Chapra
5 6
Munger Purnia
7
Bhagalpur
Estimated cost (Rs. in lacs) Water Supply & Sanitation Water Supply Water Supply Water Supply & Sanitation Water Supply Water Supply & Sanitation Strom Drainage
5752-12 127-72 2000-00 2112-67 800-83 214-22 1380-48 625-25 498-93 6900-236
Sanctioned Amount (Rs. in lacs) 2072-28 127-72 400-00 400-00 800-83 214-22 1280-48 205-54 498-93 Under process
The following table indicates the many fold increase in the plan fund for the year 2006-07 as compare to the annual plan of 2005-06. (Rs. in lakhs) Sl. No.
1 a. b c
d 2 a i ii iii iv v
b c d
e 3. 5.
Sector Water supply & sanitation Water Supply (on going schemes) Water Supply (new schemes) Sanitation and Clearness Drainage/Sewerage/ Solid west Management and other sanitation scheme (on going & new) Grant to B. R. J. P. (establishment) Total (1):Urban Development Centrally Sponsored Schemes (State Share) National Urban Renewal Mission Integrated Housing & slum Development Programme Urban Infrastructure scheme of small medium towns/UIDSSMT Swarn Jayanti Sahari Rojgar Yojana Establishment of Urban Information System /NUIS Total (2):Grant to Urban Local Bodies under Finance Commission Civic Amenities Grant to Urban Local Bodies for construction/renovation of distractive & technical buildings Master Plan, Project Reports preparation and Capacity building Urban Roads & Bridges Grant Total
Plan 2005-2006
Plan outlay for 2006-2007
3284.00 7142.02
880.37 919.63
64.30 7142.02
00.00 1200.00
286.99 17919.34
230.00 3230.00
00 00
50000.00 300.00
391.52
1000.00
156.00 00
280.00 24.72
547.52 00.00
54834.72 6000.00
571.00 0.00
389.28 500.00
300.00
100.00
3000.01 22337.86
2000.00 63824.00
Other Important Steps Taken
The Most challenging task before the department was to find out a solution for the perennial problem of the kankarbagh drainage. The Government has taken a bold step and sanctioned a comprehensive project of Rs. 2280 lakhs and nominated the NBCC to go ahead in a turnkey basis. Appointment of Consultants for DPR preparation consultants have been appointed in the five Municipal corporations along with Bihar and Ara for the preparation of detailed project Reports. The consultant Ms/ Ramkey Infrastructure Consulting Pvt. Ltd. has been given the task for Patna, Bhagalpur, Gaya, Bodhgaya and Muzaffarpur. Ms/ Shah Technology Pvt. Ltd. has been given the task in Darbanga, Biharsharif and Ara. The consultants are given an ultimatum to prepare the projects in a time span of 4-5 months.
For the first time in the history of Urban Development of Bihar, the ULBs were given Rs. 1200 lakh for purchase of improved equipments to facilitate sanitation operation. The HUDCO has been nominated for the preparation of Master Plan of the important towns of Chapra, Ara, Biharsharif, Rajgir, Gaya, Darbhanga, Muzaffarpur, & Bhagalpur. The Master Plan of Patna has been prepared and published for inviting objection. The list of unauthorised buildings without a sanction plan was prepared and severe action, amounting to even evacuation and demolition of building was taken up in certain extreme eases. A workshop was organised on 'Healthy city concept' with the joint effort of the Department of Health and world Health Organisation. The seminar was a success for awareness creation in the public, stressed the relevance of co-ordinate and committed efforts from government and Non-governmental organisation to face the serious challenges of public health, sanitation and environmental pollution. The Department has bestowed with a professional touch by hiring the service of a competent consultant Ms/ ICRA management consultant for a contract period of one year. The terms and condition and MOA reached with the consultant can be described as a model one in this direction.
