1.0 BACKGROUND
The
first ever-serious attempt to review and analyze the urbanization
process and to formulate policies for integrated urban development
in the country began with the appointment of the national
commission on Urbanization in the 1980’s. The main objectives
of urban Development Policy as envisaged by the national commission
on Urbanization included the following.
i)
Saving the super-metros and national cities and also reviving
their economies;
ii)
Development of fast growing intermediary level urban centres
by ensuring financial investment for maintaining the existing
infrastructures and augmenting it to a level wherein they
will be more efficient urban entities; and
iii)
Development of stagnating towns by providing gainful employment
opportunities. The national commission on Urbanization suggested
that urbanization strategy should be a part of the major strategy
of generating economic growth. The Commission also observed
that urbanization should be visualized as a major instrument
for promoting agricultural and industrial development as well
as implementing antipoverty programme in backward areas.
Owing to the emphasis on industrialization and economic development
in the successive Five Year Plans, Urbanization in India has
been characterized by the following special features:
a)
Growth of towns and agro-industrial centres;
b)
Setting up of institutional and administrative centres including
places of tourist interest, educational centres and the state
headquarters; and
c)
Emergence of industrial centres and major irrigation and power
projects.
We
see towns and cities as heroic engines of growth not only
creating skills and wealth for the nation, but also generating
employment for migrants from rural areas. Along with this
we find that in some cases these urban centres have also generated
the most brutal and inhuman living conditions, with large
sections of the citizens living in squatter settlements.
The overcrowding in the slums and lack of water ands sanitation
leads not only to severe health problems but also to the degradation
of the human beings. Urbanization is an important aspect of
the process of economic and social services in the towns of
varying sizes, provision of housing for different sections
of the population, provision of facilities like water supply,
sanitation transport and power pattern of economic development,
location and dispersal of industries, civic administration
etc. Much of the deterioration which occurs in living conditions
in rapidly growing urban areas in due to the high cost or
urban development, in particular, the cost of providing housing,
water supply, drainage, transport and other services. The
situation is further accentuated by the existence of unemployment,
overcrowding and the growth of slums and the fact that a significant
proportion of the population in many cities is without shelter.
2.0
PROBLEMS AREAS
2.1
Certain minimum requirements, which need to be fulfilled,
include:
(i)
Creation of the right atmosphere for large-scale investment
in housing sector
(ii)
Physical planning of the use of land and the preparation of
master plans;
(iii)
Defining tolerable minimum standards for housing and other
services to be provided; and
(iv)
Strengthening of municipal administration for undertaking
new development responsibilities.
It
was concluded by the national Commission that the lowest grade
municipal body must provide the following minimum facilities
(a)
Potable water supply;
(b)
Street lighting, preferably electric;
(c) Drainage, at least pucca surface drains;
(d)
Surfaced roads and streets; and
(e)
Sanitation conservancy and arrangements for the disposal of
town wasters and prevention of epidemics.
2. 2
Cities themselves are undergoing noticeable changes. The
skyline of Indian city is fast changing with a string of high-rise
buildings multiplying at a rapid speed. This is changing
the traditional urban culture. Houses are getting replaced
by flats. There is a rush for every square foot of land.
The result is that the aesthetic sense of space is altogether
ignored; multi-story culture is now infecting Indian cities.
In such a process of creating multi-stories structure, electricity,
water and other infrastructure requirements are inadvertently
ignored. The growth is unchecked, and unauthorized constructions
go unabated. The overall situations is really chaotic, even
grim. Everywhere, cities contain more people than their infrastructure
can really take. Rents are soaring up everywhere and the common
experience is that these are beyond the paying capacity of
even the middle class.
3.0
URBAN SECTOR-NATIONAL SCENARIO
3.1
Urbanization is a global phenomenon. It is a measure of the
process by which the proportion of the total population concentrated
in the urban settlements increase. In fact all the developed
countries in the world are generally urbanized. Population
growth is more prevalent in urban areas. It provides better
economic opportunities. Education and health facilities are
mostly available in urban areas. 3.2 An urban area can be
defined in a number of ways – legal, demographic or economic
–but all towns have the basic characteristics of being spatial
concentrations of people and economic activities. In India,
the definition of ‘urban’ given by census of India is generally
accepted which is as follows:
(i)
A minimum population of 5000
(ii)
At least 75 percent of male working population engaged in
non-agricultural pursuits and
(iii) A density of population of lat least 400
persons per sq.km 3.3 urban areas account for about 28% of
Indian population and 60% of the gross National Produce (GDP)
of the country. It creates 57% of India’s employment barring
Agriculture Sector. India is traditionally considered as
a Rural Society and Rural Areas are favoured by disproportionate
allocation under successive plans. The Urban areas together
get only15% of plan allocation. Schemes such as Rural Employment
Generation Scheme, Rural Water Supply and other rural development
Schemes always get priority over Urban Development Schemes.
Urban areas remain traditionally as neglected areas. Both
the Central and State funds mainly flow to rural areas. Of
late, the Governments are seized of the danger in neglecting
the urban areas and resultantly schemes such as Suwarna Jayanthi
Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY) and National Slum Development
Programme (NSDP) have been framed. Still the allocations
on these schemes are far below the requirement. 3.4 our urban
areas are in severe crisis. Planning process have proved to
be intrinsically defective, the cities are over crowded, urban
land has become extremely scare. Services are breaking down
and city management is often ineffectual and human misery
has increased beyond imagination. The urban infrastructure
has become outdated. The roads, water supply drainage and
sewerage have collapsed. Providing ample parking space and
open space have been totally neglected. Enforcement of municipal
laws had miserably failed.
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4.0
URBANIZATION IN KERALA
4.1
The urban sector in Kerala comprise of five Municipal Corporations
and 53 Municipalities. 25.97% of the populations live in
urban areas. This is a little less than the National average.
However, unlike the other parts of the country the Urbanization
in Kerala is not limited to the designated cities and towns.
Barring a few Panchayats in the hilly tracts and a few isolated
areas here and there, the entire state depicts the picture
of an urban rural continuum. The Kerala society by and large
can be termed as urbanized.
4.2 It is seen that in the year 1981, there were 106
census towns, which accommodated 4,771,275
population
which worked out to 18.74 percent of the total population;
and in 1991 there were 197 census towns with a population
of 76,80,294 which worked out to 26.44 percent of the total
population). The census of India 2001 recorded an urban population
of 82,67,135 in the state, which is 25.97% of the total population
of 3,18,38,619 and is spreaded over 159 census towns in the
state. When the urban content of the total population increased
from 18.74 in 1981 to 26.44 in 1991, it showed a declining
trend during the decade 1991-2001, with an urban content of
25.97 in 2001. The percentage decennial growth of urban population
in the state was 60.89 during 1981-91. But during 1991-2001
it is only 7.64% .The change in jurisdiction in statutory
urban areas mainly speak for this.
4.3
Prospects and options of urbanization in Kerala
Urbanization
trend in the state of Kerala shows marked peculiarities.
Generally, increase in urban population growth rate is the
result of over concentration in the existing cities especially
metropolitan cities. This is true in the case of urbanization
in the other states of India. But in Kerala, the main reason
for urban population growth is the increase in the number
of urban areas and also urbanization of the peripheral areas
of the existing major urban centres. This is quite clear
from the study of the density pattern also. Kerala has the
third highest overall density of 819 persons per sq.km. (Next
only to West Bengal and Bihar) in 2001. But the density pattern
in our major cities and towns shows that, the increase in
density is due to the over all population increase over the
entire spread of Kerala, which is occasionally accentuated
in the urban areas with nominal variations.
The dispersed settlement pattern, a result of historical trends,
a liking for homestead type development, comparatively developed
infrastructure in urban and rural areas, geographical reasons,
availability of subsoil water etc can be considered as both
a prospect and a problem. In terms of investments in infrastructures
development and social services sector, we spend quite a good
share of our budgetary resources. When the scare resources
are spread thinly over the entire mate of the Kerala, the
accruing benefits is marginal. Whereas, selective investment
in priority areas could show better results. The urban spread
demands more investment in infrastructure development. Such
an urban spread may result in depletion of agricultural areas.
This trend may also increase transportation costs and energy
consumption. However, the dispersed settlement systems do
have certain positive aspects also. We do not have primate
city development and metropolitan city development and the
problems connected there with. The rural to urban migration,
which accentuates urban problems and urban poverty, is only
marginally present in the urban scenario of the state.
4.4
ECONOMIC ROLE OF URBAN AREAS
4.4.1
The National Commission on Urbanization (N.C.U) ,appointed
by Government of India, in their recommendations have recognized
urban areas as generators of economic momentum. The State
Government also accepts the special economics interrelated
to urban development. All urban areas do not have the same
economic capabilities. The economic potential of urban areas
may depend on a number of factors like geographical location,
availability of economic infrastructure regional linkages
and propensities for accepting further investments and creating
spread effects.
4.4.2
urban areas are characterized by their concentrations of different
economic activities. One of the main reasons why an industry
or another economic activity concentrators geographically
is because of the so called ‘agglomerations economics’ that
it can enjoy. Exploring the positive factors of agglomeration
economics, it is possible to exploit urbanization to aid economic
development. Urbanization and Economic Development have long
been recognized as concomitant factors. Policies need to
be enunciated to use urbanization as a positive factor to
aid economic development.0
4.5The
state has only limited resources. It cannot disregard or
neglect the social commitments. The possibility of additional
state investment in this sector is too remote. The financial
position of urban local bodies are also not too rosy.4.6 Criteria
for constitution of Statutory Urban Local Bodies. There is
no prescribed criteria for constitution of cities. Municipalities
were elevated to the status of corporations on considerations
of their importance, pace of urbanization in the areas, need
for integrated development of the urban core and its neighborhood,
density of population, income and demand for more progressive
civic administration. The Kerala Municipalities Act do not
prescribe any criteria for constitution of Municipalities.
However Government as per G.O.MS 108/67/HLD dt. 2nd
March 1967 had laid down the following standards for the constitution
of new Municipalities.
(i)
The locality should predominantly be urban i.e. at least ¾
th of the adult population of the area should be engaged
in pursuits other than agriculture.
(ii)
The population of the locality should not be less than 20,000
and the density of population should not be less than 4000
per 2.59 sq.km except in hilly areas
(iii)
Per capita revenue resources of the locality should not be
less than Rs. 5 Government visualize change in the scenario
in tune with the pace of development and will formulate specific
revised criteria and procedure for:-
1)
Declaring an area as statutory urban local body.
2)
Elevating local bodies to Municipal Status and
3)
Effecting jurisdictional changes to existing statutory urban
local bodies, in consideration of the peculiar settlement
characteristics of the State.
The
list of statutory urban local bodies in the state is enclosed
as Annexure I.
5.0
IMPACT OF 73RD AND 74TH CONSTITUTION
AMENDMENT ACTS ON THE PLANNING SET UP OF THE STATE.
5.1 With
the enactment of the constitution amendment Acts, the Kerala
Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 and the Kerala Municipalities Act,
1994 came into being incorporating the provisions of the respective
constitution amendment acts. The significant features was
the provision that the Government shall, after the commencement
of the act, transfer to the Local Bodies, all institutions,
schemes, building and other properties connected with the
subjects listed in the respective schedules dealing with these
functions.
5.2
The first elections to the three tiers Panchayat Raj set up
including Urban Local Bodies in Kerala were held and the Local
Bodies came into being in October 1995. Subsequently a comprehensive
Government order was issued, transferring various institutions
and staff to the Local Bodies. Another noteworthy event was
the inclusion of a separate document known as Annexure IV
in the Budget of 1996, which detailed out the Grants-in-aid
and the schemes transferred to the Local Bodies. Thus the
allocation to the Local Bodies was seen as an independent
subject of the State Budget giving it the stamp of legislative
approval. Also about 35 percent of the state’s Plan funds
became the share of Local Governments.
5.3
The State Government embarked on a policy of Massive decentralization
during 1996. The launching of the De-centralized Planning
campaign on 17th of August, 1996 and the appointment
of a committee on decentralization of powers are major landmarks.
This process of plan campaign was spearheaded by the State
Planning Board in partnership with the Department of Local
Administration with the full association of political parties,
non-governmental organizations, professionals and elected
members and soon assumed the nature of a movement resulting
in an alliance of all those who reposed faith in decentralization.
It succeeded in harnessing public action for participatory
planning at the grass root level and created not only a favourable
environment for genuine decentralization but also built up
a powerful demand for radical reform in the legislative, administrative
and developmental systems, thereby helping to formalize and
institutionalize the paradigm shift to a people-centered,
bottom-up approach to planning and development giving a direct
and continuing role to the people.
5.4
The Committee on decentralization of Powers laid down
clear and coherent first principles in its inception report
in August 1996 and they have been accepted as the guiding
light of Government policy. Later the committee on decentralization
of Powers interacted closely with the Decentralized Planning
campaign and this synergy resulted in recommendations for
basic restructuring of legislations of local government.
These recommendations were incorporated in the Kerala Panchayat
Raj Act and Kerala Municipalities act providing the legal
foundation for healthy and accountable institutions to local-government.
These and further recommendations of the committee have contributed
immensely in institutionalizing the grains of Decent liased
Planning campaign into a solid foundation for local self-government.
5.5 Kerala’s unique contribution in making the process
of decentralization a firm footing is evidenced by the following
administrative decisions.
5.5.1
A quasi judicial authority – Ombudsman for Local Self Government
Institutions has been set up to enquire into allegations of
corruption and mal administration against members of Local
Self Government institutions. Provisions have been made in
the Kerala Municipalities act to set up judicial tribunals
to consider statutory appeals arising out of the discussions
in ULBs.
5.5.2
State Performance Audit Authority has been formed to conduct
performance audit of the Local Self Government Institutions.
5.5.3
Kerala Institute for Local administration – an institution
for giving training to the elected members and officials of
LSG institutions ahs been transformed into a Centre of Excellence
having nation wide reputation.
5.5.4
Right to information has been given statutory validity by
incorporating in the Kerala Panchayat Raj act and the Kerala
Municipalities Act.
5.5.5
A State level council under the chairmanship of the Chief
Minister has been formed to formulate policies for Local/Regional
development and to co-ordinate District and State Plans.
5.5.6
The Urban Local Bodies were given the authority to formulate
spatial plan and consequently development authority lost relevance.
Authorities based in 5 small towns have been abolished.
5.5.7
A State Level Co-ordination committee under the Chairmanship
of Minister (LSG) has been formed to take decision on matters
concerning decentralized planning. This has avoided the routine
processing of issues at official level facilitating instant
decision.
5.5.8
The State Election Commission has been formed and the commission
has conducted two general elections to the LSG institutions
so far.
5.5.9
The state has appointed two State Finance Commission.
Barring a few, the State Government has implemented almost
all the recommendations of the 1st finance commission.
5.5.10
In addition to subjects listed in the 12th schedule
a number of subjects allotted to various departments have
also been transferred to LSG Institutions.
5.5.11Government will impress upon the urban local
bodies to strive hard to pool all their resources and know-how
for improvement of quality of life. Government will not exercise
power for granting exemption from the provisions of the Law,
over the head of the urban local bodies in an arbitrary manner.
Government will strive hard to make the urban local bodies
as genuine third level of Government. At the same time they
will impress upon the urban local bodies to give top priority
in discharging their statutory responsibilities.
6.0 PLANNING WITH A FUTURE VISION
6.1
Urbanization Strategy
6.1.1
The poor picture depicted in the development scenario of our
urban areas is mainly due to the lack of proper vision and
master schemes, which envisage long term and short term effects
of urban infrastructure improvements. Proper development
strategy should cater to the development needs of urban society
ensuring modern comfort levels and standard of living while
preserving natural, cultural and historical entity of the
city.
6.1.2
considering the urbanization trends in Kerala, the urbanization
strategy to be adopted for the state need a broad based assessment.
M It has to take into account the fact that there are 58 statutory
towns and 101 other census towns together with urbanized villages.
6.1.3 It is necessary to identify urban centres which
demonstrates economic potentials and propensities and to prioritise
them. Such an attempt will lead to ‘Selective Urban Development’,
which will give a fillip to development of many other sectors
of development. Along with this approach the minimum required
infrastructure support should also be given to other not so
economically potential urban area to serve an existing population.
The Government shall identify such towns and cities and prepare
urban development investment packages for preferential development
treatment of such towns and cities, which require inter sectoral
investments.
6.1.4
The present practice of annual planning based on the budgetary
provision envisioning only short period implementation is
inadequate and will hamper the comprehensive mass scale development
of the town. Therefore an integrated and co-ordinated planning
strategy based on comprehensive master scheme which effectively
reflects the social, cultural, and heritage factors of every
city are required.
6.2
Involvement of Private sector
6.2.1
Kerala is one of the advanced States in terms of physical
quality of life index. It also is a model in the developing
world for its achievement in social sectors such as health,
education etc. At the same time the physical infrastructure
in the State presents a very poor picture. Government is
preoccupied with its existing commitment on the social front
thereby limiting its ability to make fresh investment in infrastructure.
6.2.2
The urban local bodies are supposed to generate their own
financial resources. However, these bodies do not often muster
the courage to levy taxes under their powers. Inadequate
taxation and inefficient management both render the municipal
services far from satisfactory. The infrastructure development
is not in a position to keep pace with the population growth
of such cities resulting in serious inadequacies in service.
Since public funds for urban infrastructure projects are inadequate
urban organizations have to look for alternative sources of
funding from financial institutions. Participation and availability
of private sector funds for development of infrastructure
therefore becomes not only desirable but also absolutely essential.
A number of options have emerged in private sector/non government
organizations participation in the financing and management
of urban services in India. These should be tapped to the
benefit of the public. Out sourcing and Private Sector participation
have the following advantages: utilization of Private funds
thereby ensuring budget savings.
.
Timely availability of funds and thereby ensuring faster completion
of project
.
Efficiency in execution
.
Savings in cost
.
Development of trade and Commerce
.
Ability of Local Bodies/ Development authorities to focus
on other core areas
.
Avoidance of problems of maintenance and administering personnel
etc.
.
Boost Government revenue.
.
Opportunities for capital market development
.
Potential to stimulate foreign direct investments.
.
Availability of innovative technology
6.2.3
The presumption that involving private sector in itself makers
for higher level of efficiency is not correct. Some services
seem to be more efficiently and effectively supplied, regardless
of whether they are in public or private ownership. Introduction
of private produces into urban service may bring benefits
but it also brings risks. There is possibility or unwillingness
of contractors to deal with less profitable areas, pressure
to raise prices in monopoly situations, bankruptcy and difficulties
of co-ordination between multiple producers. Government agencies
are also not immune from these problems. Hence Government
is likely to have an involvement in the role of funder and
regulator. Government should have an ultimate responsibility,
but entire operational responsibility is to be transferred
to private sectors. There shall be clear segregation between
Governmental functions and functions and services assigned
to private sector. Provisions may include role such as establishing
policies or plans and ensuring their implementation drawing
up and monitoring contracts ensuring standards of services,
financing, advising, enabling co-coordinating, regulating
and licensing or monitoring the production and management
of service delivery. Government shall continue to perform
the regulatory tasks.
6.2.4
Government is committed to provide the best service possible
to the taxpayer at the lowest possible cost. It would therefore
explore all options such as outsourcing of service, privatization,
public private participation (P.P.P.) etc., to achieve these
objectives. The feasibility of involving co-operatives and
N.G.Os will also be explored.
6.2.5
Urban Regulatory Authority
Government
will constitute an urban regulatory Authority. This Authority
will be entrusted with the responsibility to ensure private
sector participation in municipal services, avoid creation
of monopolies in municipal services, maintain quality of services,
make sure that the cost of services to the public is reasonable
and will also function as a forum for receiving complaints/suggestions
etc., on all urban services. This authority will be given
statutory powers to enforce these objectives. To begin with,
issues relating to the power and water supply of Municipal
corporations of Thrissur will be brought under the purview
of this Authority.
6.3
Development of Growth Centres
6.3.1
The urban areas which have the potential to be developed as
major growth centres with prospects in different sectors such
as industries, tourism, I.T, trade, commerce, etc., shall
be identified, planned and developed. The growth centres
will improve the economic status of the people of the region,
curtailing unplanned urban spillovers and adverse impact of
the productive agriculture sector in rural areas. This will
help in improving the balanced economic development of the
state. The status of infrastructure in such growth centres
will also be improved to meet the increase in demand. Prospects
for private-public participation in implementing various projects
in growth centres will be explored.
6.3.2
Planned Development: The development activities of cities
and major towns in Kerala have not kept pace with their
growing demand. The status of physical and social infrastructure
needs immediate improvements. The urban areas will be prioritized
and interim development plans will be prepared for those towns,
which are not covered under development plans. This will
facilitate in undertaking urban development projects for more
towns under various schemes such as IDSMT (Integrated Development
of Small and medium Towns – a centrally sponsored scheme).
Traffic Improvement and Management Schemes for these towns
will be prepared and implemented in a time abound manner.
6.3.3
The 58 statutory towns in the state are classified under 5
categories based on the present development in these towns
and the future economic development potentials of these towns.
Kochi city region have already attracted substantial industrial
activity supported by well-developed trade and commerce.
The port, the newly developed airport and railway linkages
have contributed to the development of Kochi region as the
prime economic node of the state. This region rightly deserves
the most priority status for convergence of infrastructure
and development inputs. The National Commission on Urbanization
has identified this Region as the Spatial Priority Urbanization
Region (SPUR). The capital city of Thiruvananthapuram is
the apex centre of all governmental functions. The Executive
and legislative arms of the Government have their apex bodies
functioning in this city which have contributed to the development
of the present city structure. These institutions along with
highly developed education and health facilities and the potential
tourism centres within the city region demand that the capital
city region be considered as a special priority region in
the state. From the economic development point of view. Thiruvananthapuram
city region is also considered as a priority city in the state.
Kozhikode city is the nodal point for all districts in the
northern region. Kozhikode has traditionally been developed
as a centre for forest and agro based industries. It has
a high order of development in trade especially in food grains,
marine products and spices. The city offers very high potential
for development contributing to the economic development of
the entire northern region of the state. In view of this
Kozhikode is considered as the second priority city. The
urban agglomerations of Thrissur, Kannur, Kollam, Alappuzha,
Palakkad and Kottayam, apart from being District Head Quarters
towns also serve a very vast hinterland providing higher order
facilities in services, marketing health education and production.
Development inputs into these towns may have positive multiplier
effects. Infrastructure development in these towns can attract
many private sector production units, which can contribute
to the economic development of the state. Each one of these
towns has already attracted specialized functions, which could
be further exploited. These towns deserve special priority
treatment and are therefore classified under ‘priority three’
towns. The remaining statutory towns are classified under
priority four towns depending on their potentialities for
development and their economic development capabilities.
6.3.4 Government will introduce a system of categorizing
and prioritizing cities / towns for infrastructure investments
in view of their respective roles in economic development.
The Government will fix and publish appropriate criteria and
their Weightage for arriving at the priority; so that the
local bodies can know how and how far they can come up and
go down the priority ladder. Plan funds will be released
only on assessment of performance of ULBs in the field of
statutory obligations. The Government will direct preparation
of development strategies for each of these towns considered
under the above classifications. Short term and long-term
development packages will be prepared for all these towns
and the timely implementation of these development proposals
will be coordinated wilt all the sectors involved in development.
Projects under statutory town planning schemes shall get priority
while preparing such development packages.
6.3.5 Spatio-economic integration will be ensured in
the budget proposals and budgetary allocation will be enhanced
for implementation of Town Planning Schemes. The annual planning
and budgeting system will be functionally linked with 5-year
development Plans and long range (20-25 years) Perspective
Plans.
6.3.6
At present there is no unified Town and Country Planning legislation
for the state. The present Town Planning Acts have only very
limited scope and provide for preparation of only General
Town Planning Schemes for towns and Detailed Town Planning
Schemes for priority areas. The Government propose to bring
out a unified legislation on Town and Country Planning with
wider provisions for preparation of State Spatial Development
Plans, Regional Development Plans, District Development Plans,
Urban Development Plans, and Special Area Development Plans.6.3.7
Local Self Governments often ignore the future development
issues of the towns as a whole and therefore major town level
projects which transcend the boundaries of the wards were
not given adequate importance. In order to over come this
gap ion the comprehensive long term planned development of
the towns, Government desire to support major own level projects
and major innovative Urban Development projects taken up by
ULBs. Government will create Kerala Urban Development Innovation
Fund with specific guidelines for selection of projects, usage
of funds etc.
6.4 Urban Land Policy
6.4.1
Land consolidation Land being the source of all civilization
need to be protected preserved and used for greater good of
the society. The procurement of land required for providing
public facilities and services; even the essential ones; often
meet with little scope due to the high density of population
in the state. The problem is more acute in the urban areas.
Procurement of land for such public purposes can be materialized
through urban and consolidation. Possibilities for practices
such as allocation of alternate land, issuing of TDR (Transfer
of Development Right), urban land reconstruction, creation
of Land Banks, popularizing land lease etc., shall be studied
and explored.
6.4.2 Urban land being the base on which all-urban
activities take place it is important that urban land management
be made more effective. A comprehensive urban database is
a prerequisite for effective urban land management. The National
commission on Urbanization has emphasized this point in their
recommendations. The Government shall make required arrangements
to build up Urban Land Information’s system (ULIS) in a phased
manner. The traditional system of acquisition and processing
of data is time consuming and liable to errors and is difficult
for retrieval when necessary. The state Government have attempted
to design and launch a special program to develop city/town
maps using remote sensing; GIS and latest computer application
technologies and Management Information System/Data Base for
effective Urban and Regional Planning. The manpower and technical
expertise in the state shall be effectively utilized including
all the institutes and organizations involved in planning
studies.
6.4.3
Government reserves the right to designate critical land for
its best use. Indiscriminate conversion of low lying urban
areas shall be regulated using policies arrived at based on
scientific studies. Such a Land Utilization Policy shall
among other things take into account our water resources,
mineral wealth, agricultural land, forest land, rural and
urban areas etc. Participation of a number of sectoral agencies
both Government and Semi-Government may be required to prepare
such a policy. Inter sectoral dialogues would be encouraged
towards preparation of such a state level land utilization
policy. Government have powers to reserve any land required
for future widening of road without denying the right of the
land owner to enjoy the existing use of the land till land
is taken over for road widening. In taking over land for
road development, the principle of ‘quid pro quo’ shall be
adopted which provides concessions to land owner for development
and building in lieu of surrendering land for road development.
6.4.4 Development Charges: development charges shall
be levied on every land transaction, new construction, and
new commercial ventures that are coming up in any projects
area after the notification. In the cases of land transactions
and new constructions it can be a one time charge and tin
the case of commercial centres it can be charged annually.
In order to collect the charges a notification for land acquisition
a notification under the Town & Country Planning Act to
ensure development control, a tender of particular work etc
can be accepted. Development charges can be collected for
all projects irrespective of the fact whether the projects
are implemented by State, central, Local Governments, Development
authorities, PSUs, PSPs or purely private. The Development
Authorities can charge development charges where ever they
exist and if there are no development authorities in existence
it can be charged and collected by the local bodies. Depending
upon the project the charges could vary from 5 to 15 years.
The amount thus collected should not be unreasonably high
and it can be mandated that prior permission of the Government
be required to charge this. In order to avoid too many development
charges there should be safe guards such as insisting floor
tag on the project cost etc. Projects, which are based on
collecting user fee, need not be exempted from this levy,
if those paying user fee and those getting benefits are different
persons. In order to encourage people to surrender land for
road widening etc they are given additional FSIs. In such
cases certain formulae can be worked out. If the cost of
surrendered land is more than the proposed development charges
the landowners can be exempted from the development charges.
Proportionate reduction in development charges for the land
surrendered can also be considered when the cost of surrendered
land is lower than the proposed development charges. More
over, the development charges shall be applicable only to
these who avail the benefit of the scheme.
6.4.5 Recently in urban areas, there has been a trend
in construction of high-rise buildings for residential apartments
and for other uses. There have been arguments for and against
such high-rise buildings. In many cases there has been arbitrariness
in permitting the maximum Floor Area ratio. From the planning
point of view the Floor Area ratio (FAR) permissible for an
area shall be based in the considerations of the infrastructure
availability in the area. High rise-high density developments
can be permitted only in those parts of the towns were the
available infrastructure is well developed and / or the infrastructure
capacity could be augmented without creating imbalance to
the infrastructure system of the town. In such cases the
additional cost for capacity augmentation can be collected
from the developers. Parts of the town where such high rise-high
density development can be permitted and where it cannot be
permitted can be identified in each town and this can be incorporated
in the zoning regulations of the development plans and regulations
on high rise buildings.
6.5
Conservation of Heritage And Open Space
6.5.1
Historic towns in Kerala still possess heritage buildings
and precincts through the economic pressures on prime urban
land is threatening their existence. Also, in order to give
impetus to tourism – one of the major sectors identified to
boost the economic development of the state, conversion of
the rich heritage structures and areas will be given priority.
Appropriate schemes, projects and regulations will be materialized
for meeting the above objectives. Wherever feasible, land
owners of heritage sites may be offered T D Rs with higher
FARs at alternative locations in lieu of maintaining the status
/up keeping the heritage. The role of Art and Heritage Commission
for Kerala will be strengthened for this purpose. By protecting
Archaeological and cultural sites and establishing Museum
and other adaptive uses, Urban Local Bodies can attract tourists
from all over.
6.5.2
The extent of parks and open spaces in the urban areas of
Kerala is far below the standard norms. Development of the
same including those of specialized nature such as amusement
parks, recreational walkways etc, Will also be given appropriate
Weightage and encouragement. Prospects for involvement of
N.G.O.s in the upkeep of parks and playgrounds will be explored.
Conversion of existing recreational open spaces for other
uses will be prevented.
6.5.3
Government shall require all developers including government
agencies to attach Environmental Impact Assessment (E.I.A)
statements to al applications for obtaining approval for major
development projects. The Government shall issue necessary
guidelines in this regard. Guidelines for preparation of
Environmental Impact Statements will also be issued by Government.
6.6
TRAFFIC AND TRANSPORTATION
6.6.1
Most of the urban areas in the state have grown around a central
core. Such urban areas, which revolve around single node
face congestion in town centres, resulting in traffic problems.
All job centres and activity areas get located in the central
area. The peak hour in flow and outflow of traffic to and
from the city centre leads to loss of time and energy. This
situation demands that the jobs centre and activity areas
be decentralized and that the central city areas are non-intensified.
Since traffic is a function of land use judicious land use
planning adopting poly nodal planning approach shall be accepted
for the major urban centres in the state
6.6.2
Urban road planning shall deserve special attention in urban
planning. Urban roads shall be developed in a phased manner.
Urban traffic engineering measures and urban traffic management
measures will be properly coordinated. The existing urban
roads will be adequately rehabilitated making use of the entire
rights-of-way, clearing encroachments on the roads, providing
end-to-end surfacing with shoulders footpaths, bus bays and
parking lots. Feasibility of private sector participation
for projects in transport sector will be explored. Prohibition
of encroachments on foot path, bus bays parking lots and ensuring
maintenance of road side drains, streetlights and footpaths
along the road stretch abutting the frontage of a particular
plot will be the responsibility of that particular plot owner.
This can be ensured through the urban local body/NGO’s/Co-operatives/concerned
departments etc. Imposing fines will be resorted to prevent
road encroachments. Provision of Pedestrian aides and wholly
walking areas will be encouraged. Roadside parking will be
prohibited and parking fee will be auctioned. Government
will initiate setting up of traffic regulatory cell in major
urban centres.
6.6.3 Land
under the possession of Government and the local bodies will
be identified to provide off-street parking places at appropriate
locations. Owners of vacant land shall be licensed to use
the same as parking stations, with fee, a portion of which
can be municipal tax.
6.7
HEALTH CARE
6.7.1
The Local Bodies look after primary health care activities
of the urban areas viz; provision of sanitary service, water
supply, control of communicable disease, sewage disposal,
health education etc.
6.7.2
Maternity and Child Welfare services are provided by Maternity
and Child Health centres. But the urban people are not fully
utilizing the MCH centres due to the higher consumer expectation
of the people. By and large people prefer to go straight
to the specialists where as the MCH centres provide service
through Junior Public Health Nurses only. Women doctors are
not available in many places and other adequate infrastructure
facilities such as proper building, equipment, furniture and
medicines are lacking. In rural areas there are sub centres
and primary health centres providing preventive services to
people. Also there is well-established system for the provision
of health care from bottom to top by Department of Health
services. The entire system is controlled by the District
Medical Officer. On the other hand the Urban Local Bodies
have only a proper system for sanitation service. Maternity
and Child Health service centres are to be brought under the
technical guidance and supervision of the Department of Health
Services and the same are not extended to urban people. All
the national programme are implemented by the Department of
Health Services directly. These Programmes can be effectively
implemented in the urban areas through Urban Local Bodies.
Prospects for the involvement of private sector/trust/NGOs
in the provision of health care facilities, and health education
shall be explored.
6.8
Boosts to Construction Industry. As a result of the slump
in our economy, the construction sector in the state has been
showing a downward trend for the last few years. The state’s
tourism potential still remains to be tapped in full. To
attract tourists better infrastructure including better habitats
have toe be developed. The Kerala Municipality Building Rules
have been amended drastically to allow springing of more hotels
etc. The rules will be further amended to avoid any degree
of arbitrariness in giving building permits and make optimism
use of land. In order to upgrade the standards of Hotels,
they may even be given tax incentives. Hawkers Market will
be developed at convenient places.
6.9 URBAN SANITATION
6.9.1
Urban Drainage is an important parameter in urban development.
Conversion of low-lying paddy fields, water bodies, ponds
etc. indiscriminately, has resulted in surface drainage problems
in many an urban area. Due to this, during cloud-bursts and
heavy monsoons floods occur causing damage to men and materials.
Land zoning and new land developments will be viewed with
regard to urban drainage aspects and the required measures
will be strictly enforced.
6.9.2
Urban drainage will be considered as part of urban road developments
planning. Urban drainage being a specialized technical subject,
adequate expertise shall be developed in the state and required
institutional assistance for urban drainage shall be found.
Private sector participation will be explored in this area
also.
6.9.3
Solid Waste Management Government shall give top priority
to keep the cities and towns clean. To achieve this objective
the government shall give more thrust for solid waste management
in urban local bodies. By the end of 2002 all major towns
in the state will establish scientifically designed solid
waste management system including improved methods of collection
and transportation, recycling etc, without causing environmental
pollution. Involvement of resident’s association in urban
sanitation projects will be considered favourbaly wherever
feasible. The government shall encourage the urban local
bodies to explore the possibilities for bringing in private
a sector participation in certain areas of solid waste management
and sanitation programs.
6.9.4
The Government shall co-ordinate all urban sanitation programs
available and operating within the State. Convergence of
many sanitation programs at specific area level shall be encouraged
to achieve overall development of any particular area. The
urban local bodies shall be encouraged to constitute statutory
committees with public participation including participation
of non-governmental voluntary organizations for implementing
and supervising urban sanitation programs.
6.9.5 Hygienic sanitary latrine for public use will
be made compulsory with eateries, hostels, restaurants, petrol
pumps, supermarkets, malls public buildings etc...
6.9.6
Sewerage System The Urban local bodies in the state, barring
a small extent in the municipal corporations of Thiruvananthapuram
and Kochi, do not have planned sewage disposal system. Government
will promote setting up of underground sewerage system and
liquid waste treatment plants with private sector participation.
High density areas of Corporations and major Municipalities
will be given priority in setting up of under ground sewerage
system where as provisions of in site sanitation will be encouraged
in low income areas.
6.9.7
Public Crematoria shall be established in all Urban Local
Bodies, according to the felt need of the Public.
6.9.8
Modern slaughterhouses will be established in all Urban Local
bodies. Private sector agencies will be encouraged and provided
financial assistance in establishing slaughterhouses. Every
effort will be made to improve the sanitation and clean lines
of slaughterhouses.
7.0
ACOUNTING REFORMS
The
system of maintenance of accounts in urban local bodies is
outdated. This is neither a single entry system nor a double
entry system. It will be easy to maintain the books of accounts
if the same is maintained under the double entry system, which
is universally accepted. The receipts and payments accounts,
income and expenditure account and the balance sheet can be
drawn up direct from the trial balance, which is a statement
of various accounts. The various tools for financial control
and management such as funds flow statement; cash flow statement
etc. can also be drawn up. Government visualizes change over
of the accounting system as a priority area. Chartered Accounts
/ firms shall be appointed in local bodies for handling accountings
matters. Recommendations of the 11th Finance commission
will be considered in effecting accounting reforms in urban
local bodies.
8.0 FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT
8.1
The main source of income of any urban local body id its tax
revenue. But it is doubtful whether these bodies are capable
of exercising its powers with reference to the assessment
and collection. There is a tendency among the people either
to evade tax/levy or to get it reduced than what ought to
be. The gravity of this problem varies from Municipality
to Municipality. But everywhere it is there. So it is felt
to make the system of assessment and collection more effective
by making it fool proof. Government will give greater autonomy
to urban local bodies in the fixation of taxes, rates, user
charges etc while removing chances of misuse, arbitrariness
etc. The Government will also impress upon the urban local
bodies to keep down the gap between revenue and expenditure.
Augmentation of Municipal finance through floating of Municipal
bonds will be considered.
8.2 Besides the tax revenue and grant-in-aid from the
State, the urban local bodies often seek financial assistance
from the various financial institutions such as LIC of India,
HUDCO, KUDFC etc., to part finance their developmental activities.
In seeking these assistance they seldom observe financial
propriety such as viability of the scheme, capacity to refund
etc. Some of these schemes often land the urban local bodies
in trouble. Borrowing limit of the local bodies will be linked
to their revenue. Ceiling limit will be imposed on loans
taken by ULBs from LIC, HUDCO, KUDFC etc. Local bodies will
be made more accountable for their debt servicing which would
include attaining credit worthiness before borrowing from
the market. Government will actively involve in these areas.
8.3 There is increasing tendency inn urban local bodies
to divert the earmarked funds to other schemes and in certain
cases even to meet their overhead charges. This should be
curtailed. If need be, a legislation ill be brought out to
enforce financial discipline among urban local bodies.
8.4 Property Tax Property tax is a major
source of income for the Local Self Government organizations.
The present system of assessment and collection of the tax
are unscientific and arbitrary and lead to corrupt practices.
The Government proposes to rationalize the Property tax structure
in a simple way of calculation based on plinth area. This
in addition to plugging the holes for corrupt practices will
boost the income of local bodies considerably.
8.5
Entertainment Tax
8.5.1
Another area which is highly abused in the State is the Entertainment
Tax. Government believes that taxation should not cripple
an industry. At the same time it should leave no loopholes
for evasion and corruption. Milder the taxation, easier it
is to collect. There is high degree of evasion, under assessment,
collusion, corruption and unjustifiable differences in taxation
level between various local bodies. Government proposes to
restructure the entertainment tax system so as to make it
easy to assess, easy to collect, difficult to tamper with
meanwhile financially beneficial to the local bodies.
8.6 External Assistance Even
though every effort will be made to increase flow of funds
to the urban areas by improving tax collection, getting central
assistance, attracting private investment etc. these measures
alone will not be sufficient to convert the towns and cities
into vibrant economic engines of growth. It also requires
liberal external funding. Urban Sector restructuring will
be used effectively to generate interest among external financial
agencies/ donor countries to support the bold innovative and
effective reform process initiated in the state.
8.7
Development Authorities Development Authorities
in the five municipal corporations are undertaking several
development schemes for improving urban infrastructure. All
the existing development authorities will be supported by
government in the discharge of their declared objectives.
The role of Development Authorities will be reoriented and
redefined. Emphasis will be given to capital City Development.
9.0 KUDUMBASHREE
9.1
The Kudumbasree was conceived mainly as an urban employment
generation programme through active involvement and empowerment
of women for eradication of poverty.
9.2The
initiatives of the mission have been receiving attention of
the different agencies involved in this sector including the
bilateral agencies The methodology adopted by the mission
is to build community structures of women drawn from poverty
stricken families and facilitates them to overcome the tide
of poverty through social and economic empowerment. The thrift
and credit operations of the community based organizations
help the poor women to combat the economic difficulties and
proved as an action plan will be drawn up to achieve this
end.
9.3 Other poverty Alleviation Programmes to alleviate
poverty and to ensure sustainable economic development it
is an imperative necessity to increase the income level of
the poor. The thrift and credit operations will help the
poor women only to meet their immediate requirements and do
not increase their regular income exception cases where they
utilize the thrift amount got income generating activities.
It is therefore not conceived as a solution to combat the
poverty scenario on a long-term basis. Additional income generation
is possible through generating additional employment and it
is possible through micro enterprises. In the urban area,
the Swarna Jayanthi Shahari Rozgar Yojna (SJSRY), the centrally
sponsored urban poverty alleviation programme is very effectively
implemented to set up micro enterprises of the poor. In the
next five years 5000 group enterprises can be set up at the
rate of 1000 per year. Similarly, 25,000 families can be,
also be assisted the rate of 5000 per year under the self-employment
programme. In addition to the funds received from the centrally
sponsored schemes, the urban local bodies will be persuaded
to invest in the urban poverty alleviation sector. In the
centrally sponsored programme- SJSRY – there is another component
to provide wage employment to the poor (UWEP). This programme
will be effectively implemented to create infrastructure facilities
in the Municipalities and there by generate a minimum50,000
man days of labour in the next five years at the rate of 10,000
man days per year. The centrally sponsored scheme for slum
development (NSDP) will be implemented with vigorous zeal.
Urban Local Bodies will be encouraged to prepare projects
for development of infrastructure in the fields of industry,
public works and tourism.
10.0
REFORMS IN ADMINISTRATION
The
existing organizational structure under urban administration
will be reviewed and required modifications in terms of professional
capability and technical competence will be effected to ensure
proper implementation of Urban Policy of Government.
10.1
Legislations To make the urban structure an effective tool
of catering to people’s needs, all the outdated laws will
be reviewed and rewritten. The Kerala Slum Clearance Act,
1981, and the Kerala Development Authority rules will be reviewed.
An unified Town Planning Bill will be introduced in the Legislative
Assembly. Legislation on housing shall be revamped to protect
the interest of the investor / owner too. Registration Act,
1908 will be amended to effect the changing land policies
such as enforcement of TDR, implementation of land reconstitution
schemes etc. Rent Control Act will be amended to revitalize
urban centres. Land utilization Rules will be reviewed so
as to enable urban local bodies to permit development of agricultural
areas in a scientific manner. Adequate legislation will be
introduced to ensure and promote conservation of heritage
buildings, heritage precincts and natural heritage. Kerala
Municipal buildings Rules 1999 will be amended with due regard
to optimal utilization of land. Relevant standards and norms,
the specialized settlement characteristics of the State, encouragement
of construction activity and fulfillment of the Urban Policy
for the State.
10.2
Use of Information Technology: the Government is committed
to bring in transparency in urban administration at every
level. Wide publicity will be given on the legal provision
regarding right to information. Modernization is not possible
without the use of Information technology. The Government
is committed to introduce. I.T in various sectors of urban
Local Bodies. The computers in various urban local bodies
will be networked with that in the headquarters are Secretariat
and Director’s; level;. E Governance will be introduced in
ULBS.
10.3
Directorate of Urban Affairs The functions and responsibilities
of Directorate of Municipal Administration has undergone vast
changes,. There is a felt need to give a developmental orientation
to the Directorate. It will also be converted to a professional
organization which will make use of the services of the experts
in this fields to ensure proper implementation of Urban Policy
of Government by studying the urbanization trends, pattern
etc., of the State. The present Directorate of Municipal
Administration will be converted into Directorate of Urban
Affairs.
10.4
A Kerala Urban Development Finance Corporation. The Kerala
Urban development Finance Corporation will be restructured
and made a financial organization to cater to the needs of
the entire local governments institutions in the State.
10.5
Enforcement The enforcement machinery in the urban local
bodies will be reinforced and streamlined. The municipal
and Town Planning Laws will be enforced strictly. Municipal
Employees engaged in enforcement work will be vested with
the authority under section 552 of the Kerala Municipality
Act, 1994. All forms of arbitrariness will be done away with.
This will be applicable in assessment of tax. The tax structure
will be streamlined and simplified. The Vigilance cell will
be strengthened so as to improve enforcement and transparency.
11
HUMAN RESOURCES DEVELOPMENT
11.1
The Government shall make available modern technological facilities
and equipment to personnel engaged in Planning and development.
Town & Country planning department being the prime agency
for providing technical inputs for the planned development
of settlements in the State, Government shall ensure availability
of trained manpower in the Department. Regular in-service
training programs shall be instituted for municipal personnel
in planning, urban administration, municipal finance and accounting,
urban engineering etc. The Kerala Institute of Local Administration
(KILA) will be strengthened. The training facilities available
in the KILA and other institutions with and outside the state
would be availed of for imparting training to Municipal and
planning personnel. Networking with training institutions
outside the state will also be considered.
11.2
Training and interactive sessions for the planning and municipal
personnel with voluntary organizations and professional organizations
like, the Institute of town Planners will be encouraged.
Qualifications for various posts in the urban local Bodies
will be reviewed and refixed to cater to the increased responsibilities.
11.3
The Government shall earmark funds in the annual plans of
the State for HRD of planning personnel in Government. Similarly
the Local Bodies will be required to earmark a percentage
of revenue earnings for in-service training of their staff.
11.4
The urban administration, which is supposed to rise to meet
the changing needs of the public, is in a bad state. Every
effort will be made to improve the efficiency of urban administration.
An institute exclusively for catering to the needs of Urban
Sector will be set up. Regular training Programmes will be
organized for elected representatives and official to equip
them with the latest techniques to deal with the ever increasing
urban problems.
URBAN
POLICY AND ACTION PLAN FOR KERALA
Major
Recommendations
Government
will formulate specific revised criteria and procedure for
1.Declaring
an area as statutory urban local body.
2.Elevating
local bodies to different Urban/Municipal Status, And
3.Effecting
jurisdictional changes to existing statutory urban local bodies,
considering the peculiar settlement characteristics of the
state.
The
urban areas which have the potential to be developed as major
growth centres with prospects in different sectors such as
industries, tourism, I.T, trade, commerce etc., shall be identified,
planned and developed.
·
Ensuring participation of private sector for development of
infrastructure is essential. Government would therefore explore
all options such as outsourcing of service, Public Private
Participation etc. The feasibility of involving co-operatives
and N G Os will also be explored.
·
Government will constitute an Urban Regulatory Authority which
will be entrusted with the responsibility to ensure private
sector participation in municipal services, avoid creation
of monopolies in municipal services, maintain quality of services
make sure that the cost of services to the public is reasonable
and will also function as a forum for receiving complaints/suggestions
etc., on all urban services.
·
City regions of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi are considered
as spatial priority Regions for urban development in the state.
Kozhikode is the second priority city and the urban agglomerations
of Thrissur, Kannur, Kollam, Alappuzha, Palakkad and Kottayam
will be considered as third priority Towns. The remaining
statutory towns in Kerala are classified under fourth priority
towns depending on their potentialities for development and
their economic development capabilities. The Government
will ensure preparation and implementation of development
packages for all these towns with coordination of all thee
towns involved. Projects under statutory town planning schemes
shall get priority while preparing such development packages.
·
Government will introduce a system of categorizing and prioritizing
cities/towns for infrastructure investments in view of their
respective roles in economic development. The Government
will fix and publish appropriate criteria and their Weightage
for arriving at priority; so that the local bodies can know
how and how far they can come up and go down the priority
ladder. Plan funds will be released only on assessment of
performance of ULBs in the field of statutory obligations.
The annual planning and budgeting system of urban local bodies
will be functionally linked with 5 year Development Plans
and long range (20.25 years) perspective plans.
·
Interim development plans will be prepared for those towns,
which are not covered under development plans. This will facilitate
in undertaking urban development projects for more towns under
various schemes such as IDSMT.
·
The Government propose to bring out a unified legislation
on town and country Planning with wider provisions for preparation
of State spatial development Plans, Regional development Plans,
district Development Plans, Urban development Plans, and Special
Area development Plans.
·
Government desire to support major town level projects and
major innovative urban development projects taken up by ULBs.
Government will create Kerala Urban development Innovation
Funds with specific guidelines for selection of projects,
usage of funds etc.
·
Procurement of land for public purposes can be materialized
through urban land consolidation. Possibilities for practices
such as allocation of alternate lands, issuing of TDR (Transfer
of development Right), urban land reconstitution, creation
of Land Banks, popularizing land lease etc., shall be studied
and explored.
·
The Government shall make required arrangements to build up
Urban Lands Information System (ULIS) in phased manner.
·
Government reserves the right to designate critical land for
its best use. Indiscriminate conversion of low lying urban
areas shall be regulated using policies arrived at based on
scientific studies. Government have powers to reserve any
land required for future widening of road without denying
the right of the landowner to enjoy the existing use of the
land till land is taken over for road widening.
·
Development charges shall be levied on land transaction new
construction, and new commercial ventures that are coming
up in any project area after the notification. Development
charges can be collected for all projects irrespective of
the fact whether the projects are implemented by state, central
local self Government development authorities, PSUs, PSPs
or purely private. Development charges shall be limited to
‘user fee’ applicable only to those who avail the benefit
of the scheme.
·
The floor area ratio (FAR) permissible for an area shall be
based on the consideration of the infrastructure availability
in the area and will be controlled through zoning regulations.
·
Conservation of heritage structure and areas will be given
priority. Appropriate schemes, projects and regulations will
be materialized for meeting the above objectives. The role
of Art and Heritage commission in Kerala will be strengthened.
·
The extent of parks and open space in the urban areas of Kerala
will be given due importance. Development of amusement parks,
recreational walkways etc will also be given appropriate Weightage
and encouragement. Conversion of existing recreational open
spaces for other uses will be prevented.
·
Government shall insisted on all developers including public
sector agencies to attach Environmental Impact Assessment
(EIA) statements to all applications seeking approval for
major development projects. The Government shall issue necessary
guidelines in this regard.
·
Traffic Improvement and Management Schemes will be prepared
for the urban areas and implemented in a time bound manner.
·
Urban roads shall be developed in a phased manner. The existing
urban roads will be adequately rehabilitated making use of
the entire right way clearing encroachment on roads and providing
end-to-end surfacing with shoulders, footpaths, bus bays and
parking lots. Land under the possession of Government and
the local bodies will be identified to provide off-street
parking places at appropriate locations.
·
Prohibition of encroachments on foot paths, bus bays parking
lots and ensuring maintenance of road side drains, streetlights
and footpaths along that road stretch abutting the frontage
of a particular plot will be the responsibility of that particular
plot owner. This can be ensured through the urban local body
/ NGO’s / co-operatives concerned departments etc.
·
Maternity and Child Health Service Centres are to be brought
under the technical guidance and supervision of the Department
of Health services. The feasibility for implementation of
the national Programmes under the Department of Health Services
through urban Local Bodies will be explored.
·
The state’s tourism potentials still remain to be tapped in
full. To attract tourists, better infrastructures including
better habitats have to be developed. The Kerala municipality
building rules will be further amended to avoid any degree
of arbitrariness in giving building permits and making optimism
use of land.
·
Land zoning and new land developments will be viewed with
regard to urban drainage aspects and the required measures
will be strictly enforced. Urban drainage will be considered
as part of urban road development planning. Urban Drainage
expertise shall be developed in the state and required institutional
assistance for urban drainage shall be found. Private sector
participation will be explored in this area also.
·
Government shall give top priority to keep the cities and
towns clean. By the end of 2002 all major towns in the state
will establish scientifically designed solid waste management
system including improved methods of collection and transportation,
recycling etc.Without causing environmental pollution. Involvement
of residents association in urban sanitation projects will
be considered favourably where ever feasible.
·
The urban local bodies shall be encouraged to constitute statutory
committees with public participation including participation
of NGOs for implementing and supervising urban sanitation
Programmes. The Government shall encourage the urban local
bodies to explore the possibilities for bringing in private
sector participation in certain areas of solid waste management
and sanitation Programmes.
·
Hygienic sanitary latrines for public use will be made compulsory
with eateries hotels, restaurants, petrol pumps, supermarkets,
malls public buildings etc. Government will promote setting
up of under ground sewerage system and liquid waste treatment
plants with private sector participation.
· High density areas of corporations and major
municipalities will be given priority in setting up of under
ground sewerage system where as provision of in site sanitation
will be encouraged in low income areas.
·
Public crematoria shall be established in all urban local
bodies according to the felt need of the public. Modern slaughterhouses
will be established in all Urban Local Bodies encouraging
private sector participation.
·
The system of maintenance of accounts in urban local bodies
is outdated. Government visualizes change over of the accounting
system as a priority area. Chartered Accountants shall be
appointed in local bodies for handling accounting matters.
·
Government will give greater autonomy to urban local bodies
in the fixation of taxes, rates, user charges etc removing
chances of misuse, arbitrariness etc. The Government will
also impress upon the urban local bodies to keep down the
gap between revenue and expenditure. Augmentation of Municipal
fiancé through floating of municipal bonds will be considered.
·
Borrowing limit of the local bodies will be linked to their
revenue ceiling limit will be imposed on loans taken by ULBs
from LIC, HUDCO, KUDFC etc. Local bodies will be made more
accountable for their debt servicing which would include attaining
credit worthiness before borrowing from the market. Government
will actively involve in these areas.
·
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