Date:23/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/23/stories/2006082320860200.htm

Andhra Pradesh - Hyderabad

MCH survey for mapping of properties to begin soon

V. Geetanath

Six private firms selected to take up the exercise in all seven circles in the city, says MCH official

Idea is to develop integrated Geographical Information System
MCH expects at least 20 per cent rise in revenue from property tax

Survey teams to record data and also measure properties in six months

OPERATION STREAMLINING: GIS mapping of the twin cities will enable the MCH to maintain precise data of all buildings, helping it to provide better services. -- PHOTO : P.V. Sivakumar .

HYDERABAD : The comprehensive survey of Municipal Corporation of Hyderabad for mapping of properties and utilities to develop an integrated Geographical Information System (GIS) will begin in September first week.

The corporation expects at least a 20 per cent rise in revenue from the property tax from the survey as it will have precise data of the properties - plinth area, ownership, category of residential/commercial, etc.

Six private firms - PCS Technologies, Suchan Infotech, Speck Systems, Mapworld Technologies, Global Information Technology and ORG Systems - were selected to take up survey in all seven circles, said Additional Commissioner (IT & Finance) B. Ramesh Babu.

Digital camera

In four to six months time, the survey teams will record data with the help of a digital camera and also measure properties. This will be combined with spatial data obtained through GIS for a complete picture of properties.

Commissioner Sanjay Jaju is to make a special appeal to all householders to cooperate with the teams by providing necessary information and also allowing them to take photographs. The data will help provide for better administration and civic amenities, he said.

Since all public utilities like power, water and sewer lines, roads, parks, etc., will get mapped, it will be useful for effective monitoring of engineering works, solid waste management, vehicle tracking systems and quick trace of trouble spots.

Standard database

Information collected in the survey will form a standard database for all public utility organisations, including the police and emergency teams. Database will be made available at locality-wise service centres, bus/rail stations to enable property owners to update their details.

Timely availability of vacant portions and rental values will help people get suitable accommodation. Tourists too can utilise the facility to find the correct address with the support of a map, he explained.

Mr. Babu said the database would also enable MCH to have a new house numbering system, prevent unauthorised constructions and encroachments.