CHAPTER II THE VISION

The Vision is to provide sustained and improved quality of life through basic urban services in an inclusive manner and create enabling environment for attracting domestic and international investors to live, work & invest in Kolkata Metropolitan Area.

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Goals and Objectives

Metropolitan Kolkata shall continue to remain as the strong industrial and intellectual hub to the country as well as in its regional context not to speak of the global situation. To reduce dependency of Kolkata for daily, weekly, monthly, periodic and occasional facilities on other centre in the region. To take measures to enhance the dependency of the region for facilities on the central government thus increasing the influence of the region in the country. Utilise all resources efficiently including urban land. Conserve natural reserve and heritage (National, Local & Regional) Provide sufficient space for Housing and Social Infrastructure for the anticipated and allocated population in future, including those who will be engaged in the white color jobs in Kolkata Haldia and other metro regional centre. Creation of strong fast transportation corridors with the Calcutta Metropolitan Area (CMA) as delineated for Kolkata, and other parts of the country and also to ensure uniform spatial accessibility and actual opportunity for all through in integrated transportation system. Provide sufficient space for postulated economic growth including locating high intensity industrial establishments. Population will be attracted to CMA by providing higher order infrastructure facilities, namely water supply, sewerage and drainage including garbage disposal, where industrial township is going to release pressure on Kolkata. Facilities such as economic activities, social infrastructure, physical infrastructure, housing and communication of higher order are to be provided. Provide healthy & sanitary living condition to all. CMA is to be developed in an environment and eco-friendly manner by utilising all resources efficiently, conserving natural resource and heritage, providing healthy and sanitary living condition as well as utilising vast possibility of primary sectors activities in the Metro region. Provide social amenities, community facilities and securities to all. Stabilise urban development at a time horizon for 2025 AD. Achieve an aesthetically pleasing cohesive urban from.

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Emerging Development Plan Frame

Any large city is dependent on its influence area. The metropolis of Kolkata is no exception. It is therefore, essential that while preparing a perspective plan for the metropolis of Kolkata, the outlying areas over which the Metropolis exercises a good amount of influence should be kept in view. For realistic future planning, it requires identification of its zone of influence. Therefore, while preparing the development programs, it is necessary to consider the appropriate development plan frame in a hierarchical manner as detailed below: Kolkata Metropolitan Region Influence area of the city as may be defined through daily commutation for the purpose of supplying workers to the city and the metropolitan district. Intermediate Metropolitan Region Influence area of the city as may be defined mainly through the supply area of fresh vegetable and other perishable food items to the city and the metropolitan district. Inner Metropolitan Region The influence area of the city as may be defined through the area of daily city bus services, milk supply zone as well as from nearest town criteria of census. Kolkata Metropolitan Area Kalyani-Budge Budge on east bank and Bansberia-Uluberia on the west bank of the river Hooghly containing the whole of the Kolkata Urban Agglomeration along with rural pockets. This is almost similar to the Kolkata Standard Urban Area as defined by the census authority. Metro Core Twin city of Kolkata and Howrah; with intensively built up surrounding areas spreading from Bally-Dakhineswar-Kamarhati to Andul-Garden Reach-Garia occupying about 34% of the KMA area. Central Business District (CBD) Major locus of urban activities and covers about 8% of the citys municipal area and about 1% of the KMA area. Municipal and Panchayat areas In view of the constitutional mandate following the provisions of the West Bengal District planning Committee Act 1994 and West Bengal Metropolitan Planning Committee Act 1994, Municipalities and Panchayats will be responsible to prepare the development plan for their respective jurisdictions.

The Economic Prospects of KMA

Notwithstanding the public sector efforts towards a spatially balanced economic development across the state, KMA would continue to play a dominant role in the economy of the state in the foreseeable future. The demographic projection for KMA indicates that about 6 million additional people are going to reside in KMA by 2025. The state government and KMDA aim to provide a healthy living environment to 21 million people of KMA by 2025. Apart from basic infrastructural II-3

facilities, these people would also need to have adequate income and employment opportunities to be able to enjoy a sustained decent living. Millions of people will have to be provided with shelter, civic services, health and education facilities; millions of jobs and income need to be generated to stabilise and expand the economic base of the metropolis. Before a comprehensive plan for development of infrastructure in KMA is drawn up, it is imperative to anticipate what kinds of economic activities are likely to come to KMA and where they should come. This section makes an attempt at that. Owing to various changes in policies such as Industrial Policy of the State Government and opportunities created by the new economic policy regime, Kolkata Metropolitan Area is now poised for a dynamic and revitalised bright future. This requires sustained efforts of planning and development in the right direction over the coming years. With the liberalisation of the countrys economy, the economic opportunities and their scope have expanded to a great extent. The KMA and its hinterland have been proved to be highly attractive to the investors because of its fundamental business advantages like the size of its markets, the availability of certain key resources such as its skilled work force, agro based inputs, political stability, improved governance together with the State Governments policy on decentralisation and last but not the least the positive impact of a relatively low competition intensity which is very vital for any industry to start off. Apart from the above mentioned advantages, the KMA economy is well equipped with the transport network for easy and quick movement of people and goods along with positive intention and sincere effort of the State Government to achieve a faster rate of industrialization which should be the backbone for sustaining notable growth in the rural economy following the land reforms in West Bengal through backward and forward linkages. The future prospect of KMAs economy in the light of Primary, Secondary and Tertiary sectors have been discussed below: Economic Prospects by Sectors Primary Sector The SDP generated out of this sector in KMA can be raised effectively through value addition and increased production in the areas of horticulture, animal husbandry, aquaculture etc. It may be mentioned here that demand for products of these activities would continue to increase with growth of urban population. For example, the demand for milk and milk products like cheese, paneer, curd and sweetmeats is very high in KMA and the neighbouring urban centres. Given the rising demand for fish, poultry and dairy products in KMA, it is necessary to promote and sustain the related activities within KMA subject to II-4

limited production possibilities. It may be necessary to think of organising integrated facilities like the proposed Dugdha Nagari in Dankuni where production as well as processing of milk products can be done at one site. There is a good demand in KMA for fruits grown in orchards, many of which could be seen in Baruipur in the southern fringe and Barasat on the eastern fringe of KMA producing guava, mango, litchi, melon primarily. There are also orchards in Hugli producing bananas. All efforts should be made to conserve and upgrade the orchards. Urban agriculture activities including those being pursued in eastern periphery of Kolkata city viz. Dhapa, Bantala and Sonarpur should be promoted to cater to the large urban markets in KMA at least transport costs. Mushroom cultivation in Hugli is gaining popularity very fast in view of its export potential particularly in markets of Far East. Floriculture is the most promising economic activity in not only KMA but also the State. Floriculture including ornamental plant production holds a great deal of export prospects. In and around KMA, Ranaghat (Nadia), Bagnan (Haora), Thakurnagar (North 24 Parganas) are the major flower producing centres, having a wholesale market facility at Mallickghat in Haora. With the setting up of wholesale flower market in Singapore well connected through Kolkata airport, the export prospect has brightened up. Secondary Sector The state of West Bengal is poised for a rapid growth of industries. The Government of West Bengal now attaches a high priority to growth of manufacturing and service industries. To facilitate such growth process, the State Government has enacted its policy titled Policy Statement on Industrial Development, 1994, supported by an Incentive Scheme 2000 and also a Policy on IT & ITES industries. Based on recent trends as presented in earlier section and also the resource availability and the extent of markets, certain industries as mentioned below have been identified as having growth potential within KMA. On the basis of availability of land its accessibility and infrastructure provision, a spatial plan for location of the prospective industries has been drawn up, vide Annexure-1. The location plan may include some of the Growth Centres already identified in the metropolitan Structure Plan. IT & ITES This is the most promising industry group in KMA as Kolkata city and its neighbourhood offers the appropriate environment for setting up the units. Apart from availability of integrated services at the existing and proposed IT Growth Centres/Hubs, the professionals required by the industries are in abundance in and around Kolkata. The availability of transport services and high-end housing and entertainment facilities in Kolkata make Kolkata and its neighbourhood an ideal location for II-5

IT & ITES industries. The IT Policy of the State Government provides for specific concessions for growth of the industries. Food Processing West Bengal is predominantly an agricultural state and has been enjoying agricultural prosperity since long. The KMA has a rich agricultural hinterland that offers sufficient agricultural surpluses. Now to add value to this surplus, we cannot afford to overlook the prospect of food processing or agro-based industries within KMA. Vegetables like potato and mushroom and fruits like guava, litchi, mango, and watermelon grown in the immediate hinterland of KMA provide enormous opportunities for agro based processing industries within KMA. Further, KMA offers a vast market for processed agro-products, as there exists large demand potential for canned fruits, juices and vegetables including potato based units like potato powder, potato starch etc. A major Food Park is coming up at Dankuni in the Hugli district to take care of the infrastructure requirement of the above units. Jute Jute has traditionally been a major industry in KMA along the banks of river Hugli, providing substantial employment. But over the years there has been a considerable shrinkage in demand for traditional product made of jute. Opportunities for jute are likely to lie in its biodegradable properties, as a blending fibre and in new decorative applications. Rising demand in the developing countries like Germany for natural environ-friendly products throws up an opportunity towards jute industries with demand potential not only for packaging materials but also for other value added products. However, in order to sustain the interest of jute based industrial activities in KMA, it would be imperative to initiate measures at the appropriate level to cut down cost including labour cost to make jute products more price competitive. Garment/Apparel In recent years the Garment manufacturing industry in West Bengal has been showing a healthy growth and is poised for further expansion. KMA has the distinction of having the National Institute of Fashion Technology located in Kolkata and the scope for attending to changing needs of global markets. Tailoring being one of the traditional household industries in KMA provides source of skilled labour supply. All these factors add to the prospect of garment manufacturing industries in KMA. WBIDC is already planning to set up a garment park in the vicinity of Howrah city.

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Metal based and Engineering With increasing demand for consumer durables and household appliances and spare parts in KMA and the neighbouring region, the growth of metal based (both ferrous and non ferrous) engineering and metal processing industries holds a great potential within KMA. It is hoped that with the dismantling of freight equalization structure, the metal based (ferrous) engineering industries, particularly the foundry and casting units, would receive a boost. The technological obsolescence of small and medium engineering industries, especially of those in Haora city, need to be looked into and corrective steps taken. Leather Processing and Leather Products This traditional industry would continue to grow in KMA facilitated by the organized infrastructure and services arranged at Kolkata Leather Complex in Bantola within KMA. Many more units under this industry can come up in this well equipped complex in the coming years. The Kolkata Leather Complex exclusively devoted to such leather units is expected to revive the moribund and stagnant leather industry in KMA when there is a growing domestic as well as international demand for various leather products. Chemicals, Plastic and Toy Manufacturing The commissioning of Haldia Petrochemicals Ltd (HPL) has come as a boon to the KMA and the state as whole, as far as growth of chemical and plastic based industries are concerned. Certain polymer and chemical industries would have growth potentiality in KMA as the units could draw the basic raw materials from HPL. As for the plastic industry, it may be noted that the per-capita plastic consumption in West Bengal is yet low at 0.8 kg compared to an all India figure of 1.18 kg and world average of 15 kg. Given the fact that HPL lays the base for setting up of plastic industry and also the potential for increase in per-capita consumption of plastic, the prospect of this industry in KMA cannot be overestimated. The industry had remained in a dormant state for long primarily because of the supply side constraint. So, there exists a huge untapped potential in this region. With HPL in operation, the eastern India and for that matter KMA can now look forward to a rapid expansion of plastic processing industry, especially plastic processing machinery, dyes, moulds and ancillary equipments. Again, as an ancillary industry, toy-manufacturing industry is another promising industry in this region. In order to promote this industry, a Toy Park has been set up in Salt Lake. The park houses common facilities like mould shops, tool shops, flatted factories and shops for supply of raw materials for the toy units which would cater to the growing domestic and export market. Gems and Jewellery The State has the distinction of having a large workforce of highly skilled artisans in manufacture of gems and jewellery. This is an industry that accounts for high degree of value addition and as such calls for promotion of the industry in KMA II-7

especially owing to nearness of market. The Gems and Jewellery park at Salt Lake known as Manikanchan is an endeavour to bring back a substantial number of highly skilled gold smith/artisans belonging to this state who left this state in absence of required infrastructural facilities in their profession. The jewellery crafted by these artisans is exported under the brand name of Kolkata Jewellery. Hence the traders of this region can take advantage of this infrastructure of the park to reach out to the foreign market. The above park is expected to emerge as a sector specific export-processing zone. The above list of prospective industries in KMA is by no means exhaustive and there are other industries too with different degrees of promise and may be suitably located within KMA.

A matrix showing the prospective industries and their probable locations is given in the following Table. Why a Single Vision for KMA
While formulating the Vision 2025 and Sectoral Master Plan documents, entire KMA comprising 41 ULBs and intervening Panchayat areas has been considered as single unit. The reason being that KMDA, apart from implementing certain development scheme for individual ULBs, has also to implement several trans-municipal schemes. It is also necessary to ensure synchronization of various municipal schemes among different municipalities to achieve optimum benefit, as most of the municipalities in KMA are adjacent to each other. Hence single vision for entire Kolkata Metropolitan Area has been considered while formulating the CDP.

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Potential Industries and their proposed Spatial Distribution in KMA Sl No. 1 Name of Potential Industries
Electronics/ Software IT and ITES-Hardware and

Location/ Growth Center

Saltlake, Rajarhat, Nonadanga

Remarks
Due to non-polluting nature the electronics and IT-based industries can come up in the KMA itself in a big or small ways. The highly skilled manpower required for such industries will naturally prefer the city core facilities and hence will reside in and around Kolkata. Using the neighbouring agricultural hinterland indsutries can flourish in this region and serve both domestic and export market. Due to proximity to raw material sources, the sacking and other diversified products like blended fibre, rug, apparel, upholstry material etc. can be produced in this areas. Ready-made garments has huge market, both national and international; hence the units / garment park can be set up in areas with excellent road, rail and port network. The metal processing and other engineering industries (both medium and large) can be set up in thes areas. Relocation of existing tanneries from Kolkata to the integrated Leather Complex in Bantola is already underway for combating pollution. Due to availibility of rawmaterial like skins and hides from carcasses around Dugdhada Nagari proposed in Dankuni and also in Sonarpur-Rajpur ares, leather industries may come up. Some integrated project like Dugdha nagari(Production as well as processing of milk products) may come up in and around areas like Sonarpur-Baruipur where milk is in abundant supply,using the natural hinterland closeby. Nees to be backed up by preservation facilities. While small scale phermaceutical industries can come up in a dispersed manner within KMA, HPL down stream chemical based industries should be located in the proposed industry zone of Sankarail, Dankuni, Uluberia and Kalyani

Agro/ Food processing/ Food park

Dankuni new township, Barasat-Nabapalli, Sonarpur-Baruipur South Haora, West Kalyani/- Gayeshpur Haora, Champdani,

2
Jute Textile/ Diversified Jute Product

3
Garment manufacturing industries/ park East Kolkata, Haora, Barasat-Nabapalli

4
Metal-based and engineering

5
Leather processing and products/ Leather park

Dankuni township, Sankrail, Kalyani

Barasat,Uluberia,

Bantola, Dankuni, Sonarpur-Rajpur areas

6
Animal Husbandry - Dairy, Goatery etc. Sonarpur-Baruipur, Dankuni

7 8 9

Foriculture/Horticulture Chemical & Pharmaceutical industry

Bagnan, Sonarpur, Barasat, Sankarail-Abada zone, Dankuni, Uluberia, Kalyani

10

Plastic/Toy manufacturing industries/ Toy park

Saltlake, Kalyani , Dankuni, SnankarailAbada area.

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Tertiary Sector Unlike secondary sector, the tertiary sector activities keep on growing where there is a planned development with industries and other infrastruc-ture including improved transport network system. Trades and commerce, especially wholesale trade, constitute a dominant economic base of KMA. However, following the State Governments policy of spatially balanced and eco-friendly urban growth, it is desirable that the wholesale trade activity should stretch beyond the city and be located around other major towns of KMA. The Traffic and Transportation Master Plan, prepared by KMDA, provides a network of truck termini at nine different points of the metropolis, viz. Kona, Dankuni, South of Rajarhat Township, Noapara, Amtola, Baranagar, Port Area, Budge Budge, and under the western approach of Vidyasagar Setu. Therefore, it is suggested that the new wholesale markets be set up and some of the existing markets be shifted near the location of these proposed truck termini and truck parking zones for easy movement of goods to and from the markets. As for the retail markets, the scope for brand retailing has increased in recent years, as confirmed by a recent study conducted by a consultant of international repute. The food retailing is also poised for a big business. The ready-to-eat food category is growing at a very fast rate in urban areas. A number of big retail stores have already come up in the city, viz. Pantaloons, Westside, Shoppers Stop and so on. Similar large retail stores and commercial plazas can also come up in the large and medium towns of KMA in a planned and regulated manner to meet the emerging clientele. The increased agro based economic activities such as food and fruit processing and floriculture and expanding urban market of KMA in diversified forms are likely to add to the demands for multi-purpose cold storage and modern warehousing in KMA. The banking and insurance sector has been playing an important role in financing the trade, commerce and industry in KMA and the State. With increasing liberalisation of the domestic economy and financial sector reforms, banking and insurance businesses are getting diversified and modernized, in which KMA would have a good share in trying to feed the growing and vibrant economy of KMA. Projected SDP in KMA The growth rates of SDP in KMA and West Bengal have been realistically assumed, with the factors underlying the assumptions noted below: During the initial years of globalisation, the economy will get a boost and, therefore, is likely to achieve a SDP growth rate between 8 percent and 9 percent per annum.

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Due to openness of the economy to the world market, the market based economy is likely to be subjected to ups and downs. Maintaining a high growth rate may not be feasible in the later years. Hence, with a conservative view of the SDP growth, it is assumed to settle at around 6 percent per annum. The rate of growth of SDP for KMA has always been assumed to be lower than that for West Bengal in view of negligible presence of primary sector activities and already high base of non-agricultural economic activities. On the basis of above, the assumed annual SDP growth rates are indicated in Table below.

Future Growth Rates of SDP Plan Period SDP Growth Rate for West Bengal 8.8 SDP Growth Rate for KMA 8.5 Remarks The figure for West Bengal obtained from the Tenth Plan document of Planning Commission, Govt. of India. The figure for KMA assumed. The SDP growth rate for KMA assumed to be lower than that for West Bengal. -do-do-do-

Tenth 5-Year Plan (2002-07)

Eleventh 5-Year Plan (2007-12)

7.5

7.0

Twelfth 5-Year Plan (2012-17) Thirteenth 5-Year Plan (2017-22) Fourteenth 5-Year Plan (2022-2025)

7.0 6.5 6.5

6.5 6.0 6.0

Projected SDP (in Rs. crore) in KMA State Domestic Product at constant (1980-81) prices Sector/Years Primary Secondary Tertiary Total 2002 50.14 2326.18 5586.96 7999.28 2011 110.37 4887.61 10768.50 15766.48 II-10 2021 291.80 9629.50 19259.01 29180.31 2025 368.39 12157.03 24314.05 36839.48

It may be noted from the above Table that the total SDP for KMA rises from about Rs.8000 crore in 2002 to around Rs.36,840 crore in 2025. It is expected that the share of Primary sector would gradually reach 1 percent of total by 2025. Similarly, the share of Secondary sector is likely to increase to 33 percent by 2025 of total KMA-SDP in view of the envisioned process of industrialization, led by IT&ITES industries. Conversely, the share of Tertiary sector activities is expected to decline to 66 percent of total KMA-SDP by 2025, although the estimated value of SDP of Tertiary sector would work to be about two times that of Secondary sector SDP in 2025. The estimated SDPs of KMA by sector are noted in the table above for 2025 as well as for some intervening years. Projected Employment Scenario in KMA The employment generating potential in future would largely depend on the labour-output ratios, i.e., the number of labour employed for production of each unit of output. An examination of the employment elasticity, i.e., the percentage change in employment due to one percentage change in SDP, reveals that the employment elasticity has fallen significantly during the period from 1993-94 to 2001-02, as a contrast to the period between 1985-86 and 1993-94. In KMA, the employment elasticity has fallen from 0.57 during 1985-86 to 1993-94 period to 0.17 over 1993-94 to 2001-02. Obviously, the major reason for decline in employment elasticity had been the increasing use of capital-intensive or labour-saving modern methods of production in the economy in order to gain competitiveness in the liberalized and globalized economic regime initiated in the country since the early nineteen nineties. However, for the purpose of future projection, it has been reasonably assumed that the employment elasticity would register a gradual increase from the present level of 0.17 to 0.18 in 2007 (i.e., by the end of Tenth Plan), then to 0.20 in 2011, and further to 0.25 by 2025. The underlying explanation for the assumptions being that Tertiary sector activities are expected to experience a rapid growth, faster than that of Secondary sector, which would help create an increasing employment opportunities as the employment absorption potential of Tertiary sector is generally high. Based on the above assumptions, the employment generation in KMA has been projected for some years upto 2025 and provided in Table below.

Projected Employment in KMA Projected rate Projected of growth of Employment Employment 1.53 4444567 1.40 5069361 1.50 5875956 1.50 6236526

Year 2001-02 2010-11 2020-21 2024-25

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Again, the projected employment has been broken down by sector on the basis of some realistic assumptions about sharing of employment by sectors. The projected employment by sectors is indicated in Table below. Percentage Distribution of Projected Employment in KMA by Sector Year Primary Secondary Tertiary Total 2001-02 1.83 37.14 61.03 100.00 2010-11 1.95 36.00 62.05 100.00 2020-21 2.00 33.00 65.00 100.00 2024-25 2.00 33.00 65.00 100.00

Sectoral Distribution of Projected Employment in KMA Year Primary Secondary 2001-02 81536 1650535 2010-11 98853 1824970 2020-21 117519 1939065 2024-25 124731 2058054 Tertiary Total 2712496 4512569 3145539 5069361 3819371 5875956 4053742 6236526

It may be noted from above that the share of secondary sector in total employment in KMA falls over time, while that of Tertiary sector rises during the same period. This is again indicative of the phenomenon of falling labour absorption capacity of Secondary sector. The employment projection needs to be examined against the projected labour force, i.e., persons seeking employment in KMA at different points of time, so as to be able to make an assessment of the incidence of unemployment. The number of persons in labour force has been estimated from the available data from NSSO (National Sample Survey Organization, Government of India) sources including the 55th Round NSSO data. The NSSO data reveal that the number of persons in labour force in Urban West Bengal was 378 persons per 1000 people in 1999-2000. Further, the proportion of persons in labour force shows a falling trend in recet times owing, inter alia, to increased participation in academic pursuits thereby delaying entry into job markets. The data in Table below provide the relevant information on the same. Employment-Unemployment in KMA Year 2010-11 2020-21 2024-25 In Labour Employment Unemployment %-Unemployment Force 6501509 7523853 7956026 5069361 5875956 6236526 1432148 1647897 1719500 22.03 21.90 21.61

It may be noted from above that there is going to be a considerable incidence of unemployment in KMA in the years to come. This would call for, among other II-12

things, promotion of labour-intensive methods of production in industries in general and encouragement of small-scale industries and self-employment activities in particular. All steps will need to be taken to see that the projected rates of SDPgrowth in KMA are not only achieved but also enhanced further if possible. For this to happen, it would be imperative to provide the necessary infrastructure and services, especially in areas and growth centres expected to draw industries of various kinds.

Important Contextual Changes in KMA

There have been qualitative changes in issues, policies and strategies. Matters like environment, urban agriculture, application of information technology, and remote sensing satellite images, heritage and urban conservation have gained prominence and need appropriate treatment in preparation of perspective Plan for Kolkata. The main objectives of the state government have been to make the process of urban growth and development sustainable; to make urban areas more environment friendly; and to make the urban areas investment friendly, particularly the metropolitan Kolkata. The State Government has assigned high priority to democratically decentralised urban governance structure in the state as a whole. The sustained practice of decentralized urban planning and development as a matter of policy and strategy has rendered the interventions more sustainable through better resource allocation between alternativ uses and effective peoples participation. The establishment of Kolkata Metropolitan Planning Committee (KMPC), the first of its kind in India, has strengthened the process of democratically decentralized urban planning. Kolkata is now a happening city, facilitated both by external and internal factors. Its importance in the eastern India has always been immense. The hinterland of Kolkata extends much beyond and also to the neighbouring countries of Nepal, Bangladesh, and Bhutan. The Kolkata Port and the international Airport in Kolkata connect Kolkata to the rest of the world. The first spell of industrialisation in the country had taken place in the areas in and around Kolkata and resultantly the traditional industries like jute, chemicals, engineering etc. were located in and around Kolkata. In terms of not only the manufacturing industries, but also the wholesale and retail trades Kolkata occupies a pre-eminent position in eastern India, primarily helped by Kolkata Port. Agglomeration of all these major economic activities here have rendered Kolkata the character of a metropolitan city, which is by far the largest in eastern India in terms of demographic, social and economic parameters. A numbr of large and important infrastructure projects like North-south and East West Corridor under Golden Quadrilateral program, Kolkata Logistics Hub, West Howrah Township, Rajarhat Township, Second Vivekananda Bridge, Belghoria Expressway, Kalyani DumDum Expressway, West Howrah Township etc., are likely to create major direct impact on the developmental scene of KMA. The importance of KMA would continue to be significant in the context of various other factors. The Look East Policy of Government of India strives to enhance trade between India and other countries in the East, especially China, Korea, Myanmar, Bangladesh - the II-13

neighbouring countries. In implementation of this Policy, the strategic importance of Kolkata along with Siliguri cannot be underestimated. With China being targeted as a major trading partner of India, to be facilitated by resumption of trade via Nathu la, freight traffic to Kolkata port is slated to rise considerably. Kolkata has already seen a spurt in real estate and service sector industries, especially IT & ITES industries. The IT&ITES industries have been growing at around 100 percent per annum. The IT and ITES have opened up vast possibility of introducing egovernance in ULBs and also in management of infrastructure. The comparative edge of West Bengal in this area reinforces the possibilities. A number of steps in this direction have already been initiated by the ULBs. The municipal accounting system is undergoing a total overhaul. Another major area of departure in the arena of urban policy has been that of enlisting private sector participation in infrastructure development and management. The State Governments Policy on Infrastructure Development through Public Private Partnership (PPP) has been a notable step in this direction. The PPP Policy provides for participation of private sector in development and management of power, telecommunication, transport including roads, bridges, fly-over, waterways, ports, airports, water supply, drainage & sanitation, township & area development, housing & commercial complexes, recreational projects etc.

The Population Perspective

Under both laissez faire and centralised planning, the sizes of the current and future population are key inputs for urban planning exercise. Production programmes in agriculture, industry, trade and commerce are to be formulated on the basis of the anticipated population for whom food, employment shelter, transport, and other amenities are to be planned.

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If this is true for the nation as a whole this is no less true for a city, or a town. Those who are planning a water supply system for Kolkata Metropolitan Area must be told how many people the water supply is to be arranged for. This how many is again linked to the question of how long. Actually the respective lengths of life of the various components of infrastructure determine the time horizon of infrastructure planning. So far as our present planning exercise is concerned we have taken a twenty-five year period 2001-2025 as our time reference. Actually, to generate projections for the twenty five-year period from 2001 to 2025 is complicated, because even though the economic planning or policy planning may be done at a micro-regional or local level; population projection for a single town, say, Dum Dum or Barasat, is much more complicated and involves a much greater uncertainty than the population projection for KMA as a whole. When a large area is concerned, the projection of population on the basis of the past behavior of its various components is the proper scientific approach. But when a small area is concerned, the policy with regard to allocation of population distribution becomes more relevant. In such cases, allocation of population depends on development programmes envisaged or decided upon for the respective areas. Here is an instance where the physical planners and the social scientists preparing population estimates have to interact with each other. Projection for KMA: In absence of adequate data related to the demographic variable like fertility, mortality and migration for the KMA as well as the age-sex distribution, it is difficult to estimate future population using the various demographic methods commonly known. That is why several alternative mathematical projections, were applied to estimate the future population of KMA using various functions. Out of seven such projections, Alternative-6, which is a second-degree fitting by the method of least square, seems to be a more reasonable one and may be considered for our planning purpose. Based on allocation of the projected population among the constituent micro units and cross checking of the same with future density and growth rate, the final projected population figure for KMA for 2025 has been determined at 21.068 million, vide Table 3.22.

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Projection for the Local Bodies and Panchayat Samities: Now the task is to apportion the estimated population of KMA over the various Corporations, Municipalities and Panchayat Samities. Even though the future estimates of population for small areas are likely to differ for many unpredictable and unforeseeable reasons and are more dependent on policy issues, still it is essential and desirable to make such estimates for the purpose of planning. Here again, a synthesis of the time honoured demographic-mathematical techniques and the allocative techniques have been adopted. Several alternatives for each of the local bodies and Panchayat Samities were applied to estimate the future population for the constituent units. Projected figures were crosschecked in respect of future density and growth rate. Most likely figures (from different alternatives) were clubbed together and adjusted to the total projected population of KMA and finally apportioned. Figures providing the estimated population for the urban local bodies and Panchayat Samities have been derived.

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Future Spatial Structure for KMA

The urbanization pattern in Kolkata Metropolitan Area and in the region have been analyzed and described earlier. The metropolitan area over the decades has been emerging as a poly-nucleated multi-center metropolis. The high density of population and the high land value in the core areas of KMC and HMC have resulted in the dispersal of settlements away from the metropolitan core area. Due to the availability of land at comparatively lower prices and the suburban rail system, the bus transport system through the newly developing expressways and highways, the dispersal has been more rapid during the last 20 years. The population of KMC and HMC area in 1961 was about 57% of the total population of KMA and has reduced to 38% in 2001. This indicates the dispersal of urban settlements in the metropolitan area.

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The Vision of the future metropolitan structure is important in guiding the future infrastructure and urban facilities within the area. The spatial distribution of different categories of the centers in the metropolis depends on a number of parameters. These parameters have been analyzed in achieving the future metropolitan structure for KMA. The important considerations in this regard are: Balanced distribution of centers within the metropolitan area The present trend of growth of population and related activities within the metropolitan area The scenario of developments in the metropolitan region particularly in the vicinity of the metropolitan area The findings of the geo-environmental, geo-technical and geo-hydrological studies conducted in the metropolitan area for ascertaining the proposed locations for future development Availability of pre-dominantly vacant land masses with favourable topography, road linkages and drainage facilities Development programmes of the State and Central Governments in respect of highways and railway system, public transport infrastructure mainly extension of suburban rail, metro rail and LRT, new passenger terminals, flyovers, underpasses, new industrial growth centers, new retail and wholesale trading centers, truck terminals, etc. Environmental considerations particularly conservation of water bodies, wetlands and the areas identified as natural reserves Control of unplanned u8rban sprawl in the fringe areas upon the agricultural land and wetlands To provide areas for holding increased population and to generate space for social and economic infrastructures for production and employment generation in a planned manner Present trend of urban development with participation of public sector and private sectors

The future spatial structure for the metropolis has been visualized keeping in view the existing centers as well as the proposed new centers for accommodating the projected population and activities in the metropolis upto the horizon year. The spatial structure of the metropolis has been conceived in the following form: i) Hierarchy of centers: Three categories of centers have been envisaged: a) b) c) d) ii) iii) Metro Center 1st order Metro Sub-center 2nd order Major Centers 3rd order Trans metro City System

New settlement areas (New townships) Industrial growth centers a) Metro Center Kolkata has been visualized as the 1st order metro center with the allotted population of about 4.75 million in 2025 and will II-18

continue to dominate the activities in the metropolis and in the hinterland. b) Metro Sub-center Howrah has been considered as the 2nd order metro center with allotted population of 1.55 million in 2025. Howrah would also be a dominating center in the metropolis next to Kolkata. Major Centers Apart from Kolkata and Howrah, in total 15 major centers have been visualized in the metropolis with the population of each center ranging between 0.5 million and 0.75 million. Most of these centers are at present existing and with the dispersal of urbanization within the metropolis, these centers would be important in the context of the over all functioning of the metropolis. It has been assessed that in the year 2025 about 9 million population would be accommodated in these fifteen major centers. The following existing centers are likely to grow in future to accommodate population ranging between 0.5 and 0.75 million within 2025.The centers are: i. Dankuni ii. Sonarpur iii. Naihati-Bhatpara iv. Barrackpur v. Baranagar Kamarhati vi. Dum Dum South Dum Dum vii. Garia Jadavpur viii. South Suburban ix. Budge Budge Maheshtala x. Kona Unsani xi. Bally Jagacha xii. Serampur xiii. Bhadreswar Champdani xiv. Hooghly Chinsurah xv. Bansberia d) Trans metro City System: - Five existing centers within the metropolis have been identified as the trans-metro city centers in the context that the anticipated growth of these centers would extend beyond the metropolitan boundary to the inner metropolitan region. These centers would also provide urban services to the catchment areas in the inner metropolitan region. The following centers within KMA have been identified to function as trans-metro city system. i. ii. iii. iv. Kalyani Barasat Salt Lake Rajarhat Baruipur II-19

c)

v. Uluberia Bagnan Since the Rajarhat New Town is on the immediate east of the KMA boundary and adjacent to Salt Lake City, the growth of Salt Lake and Rajarhat New Towns in future has been visualized as a single transmetro city system which would function as the subsidiary metro center and also would provide urban services to the catchment areas of the inner metropolitan region in the east. ii) New settlement areas These are areas to be developed within the horizon year of 2025 primarily to accommodate the increasing population. These would be predominantly residential areas with planned provision of physical, social and economic infrastructures and would be vital in ensuring the arrest of unplanned urban sprawl in the fringe areas. The locations of these new towns would depend on the availability of large chunk of vacant land (400 to 500 acres) with natural topography conducive to drainage. The other considerations for selecting the new towns have been based on geoenvironmental, geo-hydrological and geo-technical studies for the respective areas. In the context of new trend of urban development, these townships may be developed by public sector, private sector or under joint venture. In the total, 14 new settlement areas have been identified. New township of sizes 400 to 500 acres would be required to be developed in order to accommodate the projected population in a planned manner within 2025. The proposed new settlement areas are : 1. Bhatpara: The area is located in immediate east of BarrackpurKalyani Expressway. The areas in Panpur Kankinara would be developed to a new township to accommodate the over spill population of the Bhatpara municipal area. 2. Barrackpur: This new township would be developed in the east of Dum Dum Barrackpur Expressway to accommodate the overspill population of Barrackpur Titagarh municipal areas. 3. New settlement areas at Natagachi, Bonhooghly, Jagdishpur: These three new settlement areas have been identified to relief the population pressure of the Rajpur Sonarpur Municipal area to cater for the future increase in activities and population around the proposed district headquarters of South 24 Parganas. About 400 to 500 acres has been considered to be developed in a planned manner for each of the above-mentioned centers. 4. South Suburban: Unplanned developments without adequate infrastructures are being observed on either side of Diamond Harbour Road, south of Thakurpukur. The proposed new township at South Suburban would be able to accommodate about 40000 to II-20

50000 population with planned infrastructure facilities in the east of D.H. Road. 5. Mahestala: New township on Budge Budge Road near the crossing of Biren Roy Road West has been proposed on an area of 400-500 acres to provide planned infrastructure facilities for housing for the future growth of population in this area. 6. Baruia: The proposed new township at Bauria between the South Eastern Railway line and NH-6 would be able to provide planned facilities to a population around 40000 to 50000. A number of industrial growth centers are coming up in this area under the programme of WBIDC. It is expected that this township would be able to support the population and other facilities to be required. 7. Sankrail-Abada: In view of the newly developing industrial growth centers, truck terminal and the proposed railway goods terminal in this area, it is envisaged that the population in this area would increase substantially during the next 10 to 15 years. As an advance action, it is proposed that a new township with an area of 400 to 500 acres is developed to cater for the future increase in population and other activities. 8. West Howrah: The township over an area of 396 acres have already been started with foreign direct investment. It is expected to accommodate a population of 40000 with commercial, institutional and recreational facilities. 9. Dankuni: KMDA has taken up to develop a new township at Dankuni in an area of about 5000 acres. Residential accommodation of about 5 lakh along with the provision of commercial, institutional, educational and cultural facilities would be there in the township. Provision of different categories of industries including IT & ITeS would also be there within the township. 10. New township at Baidyabati, Chandannagar and Bansberia: The municipal areas in the west of the Howrah Burdwan main line are getting congested very fast and as a result, the urban sprawl is extending towards west. In order to provide planned infrastructure facilities for the observed urban sprawl, the above-mentioned three townships have been proposed in the immediate east of Delhi Road where adequate vacant land is available. In the Master Plan for Traffic & Transportation prepared by the Sector Committee of KMPC, an arterial road in the east of Delhi Road has been proposed to provide accessibility to these new townships.

II-21

iii)

Industrial growth centers: There are areas for concentration of industries of various categories with planned infrastructures and environment control measures. The industrial growth centers would be the centers of economic activities in the metropolis generating production and employment opportunities. The locations of these industrial centers are to be judiciously decided in consideration of highway linkage, water supply and drainage facilities. The WBIDC has already taken actions for setting up of a number of industrial growth centers at the following locations within KMA. Rubber Park, Food Park, Apparel Park and Poly Park have already been identified on either side of the NH - 6 between Kona and Uluberia. The Foundry Park and the Chemical Park are also coming up in the areas west of NH-6 just outside the KMA boundary in the Howrah district. In the east bank, WBIDC has also set up a number of industrial growth centers, namely, Garment Park in the Canal South Road, Beliaghata, Gems & Jewelery Park & Toy Park in the Sector-V of Salt Lake and the Industrial Park at Kalyani. The Sector-V of Salt Lake City and the Nonadanga area within the East Kolkata Township are also going to be the centers for IT industries. The Leather Complex at Bantala has also started functioning. In the context of the above scenario, a study was conducted during the preparation of Vision 2025 to identify the potential industries and their proposed spatial distribution in KMA. On the basis of the study and on the basis of the actions already initiated by WBIDC, the main industrial growth centers in KMA have been identified as below: 1. Kalyani: Industrial Growth Center for chemical and pharmaceutical industries, plastic & toy manufacturing units 2. Dankuni: Agro/food processing, leather processing and products and chemical and pharmaceuticals, plastic products, IT & ITeS, animal husbandry/goatery etc. 3. Uluberia: Metal based and engineering, chemical and pharmaceutical industries, floriculture and horticulture 4. Barasat-Nabapalli: Floriculture, horticulture, metal based and engineering, agro and food processing 5. Sonarpur: Agro and food processing, floriculture and horticulture 6. Sankrail-Abada: Chemical and pharmaceutical industries, plastic and plastic products, metal based and engineering 7. East Kolkata Township: IT & ITeS, garment manufacturing units
8. Salt Lake City: IT & ITeS, plastic and toy manufacturing, gems and jewellery, etc. 9. Champdani: Jute textile and diversified jute products.

II-22

Sectoral Agenda
Traffic & Transportation Future Travel Demand: The future travel demand within the Kolkata Metropolitan Area has been estimated on the basis of the analysis of the growth trends of the elements of the Traffic & Transportation system and on the consideration of the major travel generating parameters like the population, economic activities and land use. The existing and future land use pattern, the economic development prospects and the growth of population and the likely future distribution pattern have been duly considered in estimating the future travel demands. KMDA conducted a Household Interview Survey in 1997-98 covering more than 21,000 households in the area to ascertain the present travel characteristic. KMDA also conducted traffic volume count surveys and origin destination surveys including goods vehicles to assess the movement pattern of different categories of vehicular traffic. In estimating the future travel demand the system capacities of different systems of passenger and goods transportation within the area has been considered along with the likely future accommodation of the systems which may be required to cater for the future travel demand. In the following paragraph the estimated travel demands in respect of the various components of the Traffic & Transportation system have been given in brief. The estimated number of fast motorised vehicles: Considering the past growth trend in Kolkata and other areas of KMA, the future increase in population and the distribution pattern thereof, the number of fast motorised vehicles in KMA has been estimated for the years 2011, 2021 and 2025. The estimated number of vehicles in KMA in 2011 would likely to vary between 15.38 lakh to 16.62 lakh. For the year 2021 the estimated number of fast motorised vehicles in KMA would likely to vary between 23.48 lakh to 25.86 lakh and that in the year 2025, the range would be between 28.00 lakh to 30.18 lakh. Future Transit Passengers: The transit passenger in future is likely to grow at the rate varying between 2.5 to 3%. It is estimated that the total transit trips by all II-23

modes of transit vehicles will be about 235 lakh per day in 2011, 299 lakh per day in 2021 and 322 lakh per day in 2025. Future Freight Traffic: The total Freight Traffic has been estimated to be 124.71 million Tonnes in 2011, 155.82 million Tonnes in 2021 and 169.82 M. Tonnes in 2025. The distribution is likely to be as indicated below : By Road: The estimated amount of goods that are likely to be transported by road to and from KMA in the year 2025 is about 123 M. Tonnes. The estimated amount of goods to be transported to and from KMA in 2011 and 2021 are 92.81 M. Tonnes and 103.00 M. Tonnes respectively. By Railways: The total amount of goods estimated to be transported by Railways to and from KMA in 2011 is about 19.90 M. Tonnes. The estimated figures for the years 2021 and 2025 are 28.82 M. Tonnes and 33.70 M. Tonnes respectively. By River: It has been assessed that a total amount of goods to be transported to and from KMA by river in the year 2025 would be around 13 M. Tonnes. The estimates for the year 2011 and 2021 are 12 M. Tonnes and 13 M. Tonnes respectively. No growth has been considered after 2021 in consideration of the future perspective of the development of the extension of the Haldia Port System and a new port at Kulpi. Growth of Fast Vehicular Traffic: The fast vehicular traffic on most of the major corridors in the KMC and HMC area has been found to be growing at the rate of 2.5% per annum mainly due to the reason that most of the roads are overloaded with traffic and that the volume-capacity ratio is too high to attract more number of vehicles. However on new roads or in the roads in the peripheral areas where the volumecapacity ratio is low, average annual growth varying from 5 to 8% has been observed. The average annual growth of vehicular traffic on the corridors outside the metrocore however has been observed to be higher and on an average 3.5% per annum. This indicates that the trip generation rates in these areas are higher due to high rate of growth of population. The average annual growth of vehicular traffic on most of the regional roads connecting KMA with the hinterland have been found to be highest i.e. about 5% because of the fact that existing traffic volume is comparatively low and for certain increase in the number of traffic per annum the percentage growth is higher. The growth of traffic in KMA and the level of service of vehicular traffic movements on major arterial roads have been analysed and it has been found that the volume capacity ratio in 65% of the roads have crossed the figure of 0.75 indicating that the roads are already very much congested. II-24

The growth of transriver traffic volume is an important factor for determining the future need for transriver road crossing facilities. The total volume of transriver fast vehicular traffic in the year 2000 was 1.42 lakhs per day. It is estimated that the transriver fast vehicular traffic in the year 2011, 2021 and 2025 would be 2.03 lakhs, 2.77 lakhs and 3.12 lakhs respectively. Growth of goods vehicles: In 1998, about 41,000 goods vehicles (trucks, tempoes etc) entered or left KMA daily carrying goods of various categories. It is estimated that in the year 2025, the total number of goods vehicles entering leaving KMA daily would be to the tune of 78,000. The estimated number of goods vehicles in the year 2011 and 2021 are 57,000 and 71,000 respectively. Growth of persons entering and leaving KMA: It has been estimated that at present on an average weekday about 7 lakh persons enter or leave KMA by road transport and about 5 lakh person enter or leave by rail transport. A certain percentage of this 1.2 million persons generate further trips within the area on various modes. It has been estimated that with the increase in population in the adjoining areas of KMA, about 2 million persons would enter or leave KMA daily in the year 2025. Growth of Ferry Passengers: From the present growth trend of ferry passengers across the river Hooghly, it has been estimated that the passenger volumes for 2011, 2021 & 2025 would be 2.83 lakhs, 3.91 lakhs and 4.43 lakhs per day respectively. Considering the fact that the Suburban trains would be coming to the CBD after the electrification of the Circular Rail tracks and the future potentiality for providing more number of across the river and along the river ferry crossing points. Future Trans river Traffic and requirement of Bridges Period between Estimated transriver traffic in the last year 2,03,100 2,77,500 Locations/names of bridges/crossing facilities Total capacity (in vehicles) 2,20,000 2,80,000

2001-2011 2011-2021

2nd Vivekananda Bridge Widening of Iswar Gupta Setu to 4-lane facility. Bridges connecting Serampore-Barrackpore & Budge-Budge - Bauria Bridges connecting Sovabazar-Salkia & Bhatpara-Chandannagar

2021-2025

3,12,400

3,20,000

II-25

Movements of Passengers within KMA: Anticipated Modal Split (Average Weekday) Modes 2001 Surface Transit Private Bus Public Bus Tram /L.R.T Minibus Ferry Chartered bus Sub-Total Rail Suburban Rail Metro Rail Circular Rail Sub Total: Para Transit Taxi Auto rickshaw Cycle rickshaw Rickshaw, Cycle van Sub Total 35.00 47.00 56.00 64.0 67.00 322.00 Total 187.00 235.00 266.00 299.00 * Figures within brackets indicate the number of vehicles. Transport Policy & Strategy for Development The principal modes of transportation in KMA are the Railways, Roads and Waterways. During the past 3 decades there has been investment in development of transport network for the different modes. But the investments were mostly addressed to individual mode development action without much consideration to the total system or intermodal interaction. It is, therefore, important to develop an integrated transportation system by co-ordinating the development actions. In the integrated transportation system, the different modes of transport will be complementary without being competitive to each other. II-26 11.00 (22000) 16.50 (25000) 7.50 (25000) 17.00 23.00 7.00 22.00 27.00 7.00 26.0 30.0 8.00 28.00 31.00 8.00 32.50 2.00 .20 34.70 37.50 8.00 2.50 48.00 41.00 10.00 3.00 54.00 44.00 11.50 3.50 59.00 46.00 13.00 4.00 63.00 85.00 (7000) 12.50 (1550) 2.00 (200) 12.50 (1560) 2.40 2.70 (2150) 117.10 94.00 16.00 5.00 16.00 4.00 5.00 140.00 100.00 19.00 7.00 18.00 5.00 7.00 156.00 107.00 25.00 9.00 20.00 6.00 9.00 176.00 112.00 30.00 10.00 22.00 7.00 11.00 192.00 Volume of Passengers (in lakhs) 2011 2016 2021 2025

The Metropolitan Transportation Policy for KMA should be To develop an integrated transportation network within KMA to cater for the movement of passengers and goods within the area and in the hinterland taking into consideration the likely future scenarios upto 2025. The specific considerations in this respect should cover: Planning for an Integrated Transportation Network for the metropolis with specific recommendations & priorities for phased developments of the different modes and sub components. Balanced Urban Development within the Metropolis Safer, Cheaper and faster transport system. Optimum utilisation of the existing transport infrastructures Emphasis on the requirements of the majority of the users and providing optimum level of comfort. Energy conservation and protection of environment For achieving the above Transportation Policy, the strategies for development should be clearly defined and pursued in a planned manner. The strategies, which should get priority action, should include the following: Decentralised Metropolitan Structure Priority to Transit Fuel and energy aspects Environmental Considerations Metropolitan Centre Para transit Modes Pedestrian facilities Adoption of updated technology Balanced participation of public sectors and private sectors

The important actions to be taken as per the strategies are: To develop small and medium towns and growth centres in the state outside the KMA and To develop municipal towns as well as new settlement areas within the KMA but outside the metropolitan centre, so that there may be dispersal of activities to these areas from the metrocore. An Intregated Transport Network consisting of Rail, Road and Waterways should be established to link the different centres in KMA and the new settlement areas outside the metrocore. The proposed transport network should encourage establishment of new business centres to supplement the central area functions of the CBD. The existing mass transportation modes should be improved and extended so as to cater the future increased travel demand.

II-27

 The mass transit modes operated by electric traction viz. The Suburban Railway, the Circular Railway and Trams/Light Rail Transit should be improved and extended as far as practicable from the point of view of environment and saving of fossil fuels. The existing infrastructure of Tramway System may be utilised for introduction of Light Rail Transit. The extension of Metro Rail from Tollygunge to Garia should be completed at an early date. The proposed east-west metro alignment from Salt Lake to Ramrajatala and to Shalimar connecting B.B.D. Bag, Sealdah Railway Station and Howrah Railway Station should be taken up immediately. For the Metropolitan Centre rigorous actions should be taken for controlling the re-development of buildings in key and congested locations, restriction in the movement of the vehicular traffic in specific areas during specific hours of the day and for the improvement of the traffic circulation by Traffic Engineering & Management measures. While the paratransit modes should be utilised to the maximum extent but there should be efforts to minimise the damaging effect of these modes on the mobility of traffic flow. The routes and operational arrangements of such vehicles, therefore, should be decided after close examination of the physical conditions and traffic situation of the particular areas. Special attention should be given for the safe and uninterrupted movement of pedestrians at the locations of major concentrations by providing exclusives plazas, pedestrian only roads, pedestrian sub-ways, elevated pedestrian crossings with provision of escalators, elevated pedestrian walk-ways etc. In the construction of new roads and repair of existing roads, modern technology should be adopted with the application of modern technic and machinaries. In the selection of new transit system or for updating the existing system, the transit vehicles designed on modern technology and suitable for local climatic conditions and characteristics of travel should be adopted. Balanced participation of public sectors and private sectors in the development of transport infrastructures and in the operation of services should be ensured. The present dominance of the ratio of bus services in the metropolis by the private sector & public sector, which is about 20:80 at present, should be balanced as far as practicable. Water Supply Policy and Strategies It has been resolved that the entire water supply in KMA will gradually be switched over to surface water sources, with groundwater sources of supply being consequently dispensed with owing to the latters quantity and quality unreliability. However, in the intervening period, groundwater source would have to be relied upon and necessary safeguards taken against possible threat of contamination.

II-28

As for the distribution, networks of zonal underground reservoir-cum-boosting stations to be established so as to make the target level of supply available at the consumers end. The KMPC Sector Committee on Water Supply has fixed certain supply norms, as follows:

Kolkata Municipal Corporation Area ------------------ 200 lpcd. Howrah Municipal Corporation Area ------------------ 150 lpcd. Municipal and Non-Municipal areas ------------------ 135 lpcd. In order to satisfy the above factors of Industrial, Commercial and Institutional (ICI) influence on the proposed water supply system, 10% allowance over the estimated domestic demand has been made as per decision the Sector Committee, Water Supply, KMPC. Accordingly, total demand of water for the projected population of 2011, 2015, 2021 and 2025 has been calculated. Demand for Floating Population: Kolkata usually receives an estimated floating population of about 30 lakh every day. The average consumption of the water for such population has been considered @ 5 lpcd as per the recommendation of the KMPC Sector Committee and the total demand of water on this account comes to about 3.5 MGD, which has been taken into account in the total demand of KMC area only. Need for change in the Service District concept The recommendation of the recommendation of the Master Plan (1961-2001) for generation and distribution of water within CMD were made by devoding the whole area into five Service Districts, namely, II-29

i. ii. iii. iv. v.

Palta Service District (PSD) Calcutta Service District (CSD) Garden Reach Service District (GRSD) Seerampore Service District (SSD) Howrah Service District (HSD).

As a consequence it is observed that the water generated in one Service District has to serve other Service Districts also. For example, PSD and GRSD have to serve the CSD or water from SSD to HSD etc. Consequently, the concept of Service Districts, as envisaged earlier, has got little relevance today, particularly for the need to coordinate the existing infrastructure facilities with new proposals to the maximum extent. Accordingly this perspective plan document for 2001 2025 appreciated the futility of Service District concept and envisaged the generation and distribution of water within KMA as a whole, i.e., not confining within the defined jurisdiction of Service District. While diligent endeavor was all along directed to achieve the desired goal, a new challenging threat in the form of arsenic contamination of ground water has knocked at the door forcing to adopt conceptual change in design parameters. Presently the municipalities and corporations explore ground water to the tune of 108 MGD (excluding the quantum of exploration through huge number of shallow tube wells), which is becoming less dependable day by day due to the trace of arsenic in various locations and the situation is demanding a sustainable interim/long-term action plan to arrest deterioration in public utility services with supply of potable water on the top of the list. KMPC Sector Committee, after taking into account the overall objectives of VISION 2025 and the priorities of the Government, took the following decisions for preparation of the Master Plan on water supply within KMA for the period up to 2025: Under Ground Reservoir & Transmission System It is inevitable that for transmission of treated surface water from CWR of the Plant to the respective municipal zone centers, there will be considerable loss of pressure head. To maintain adequate pressure head within the municipal distribution system, proposals have been made to construct underground reservoirs - cum boosting stations at the respective zone centers for which land to be arranged by the respective Local Body. Occurrence of Arsenic: To search the areas influenced by arsenic in West Bengal vis--vis in KMA, 8 districts were identified by Central Ground Water Board in February 2002 viz: Malda, Murshidabad, North 24-Parganas, South 24-Parganas, Nadia, Burdwan, Howrah and Hooghly. To assess the severity of the problem within II-30

KMA, the Environment Cell, KMDA, conducted a survey collecting samples from varying depth of 30-85 Mtr bgl from sixteen mouzas under Barrackpore-II block and some mouzas along Barrackpore Barasat Road, which showed a high concentration of arsenic varying from 0.03 mg/l to as high as 3 mg/l in certain cases. In South 24 Parganas trace of arsenic were also detected in places in and around Baruipur and Rajpur-Sonarpur Municipality. Proposals for Arsenic Affected Areas: The exploration of ground water resource has faced several problems, including that of contamination of arsenic. The longterm exposure to trace levels of arsenic causes chronic skin and cardiovascular diseases. Little trace of arsenic may cause carcinogen and mutagen. Skin lesions, cancers, and cardiovascular diseases are traceable to arsenic poisoning. Therefore, ground water resource having arsenic contamination makes its use unsafe. From above, it is observed that, the areas under Barasat, Madhyamgram, New Barrackpur on the North and Baruipur, Rajpur-Sonarpur on the South of KMA are to be taken care of against Arsenic hazard. Out of the above, the former three Municipal areas are being proposed to serve through the new 60 mgd Treatment Plant conceived at Garulia. For serving the other two municipal areas, presently 1 MGD for Baruipur and 2 MGD for Rajpur-Sonarpur will be made available from the new 30 mgd Treatment Plant (Phase-I) constructed by PHE Directorate, Govt. of WB at Dakshin Roypur, Budge Budge-II. It has also been decided that a total of 8 MGD may be available for these two municipal areas after completion of the Phase-II work of the Plant. However, the overall demand of these two municipal areas for the ultimate plan period Uncovered Areas in Municipalities and Non-Municipal Urban Areas Schemes for Uncovered Areas: It is seen that, out of 911.54 sq. km. area of the 41 Local Bodies within KMA, about 653-sq.km is capable to receive the proposed surface water supply through the existing piped network system. In addition, 50% areas of the NMUs and O.Gs i.e. about 86 sq. km is also to be covered. Accordingly it has been considered necessary that the remaining 259 sq. km of the Local Bodies and 86 sq. km of NMUs and O.Gs are to be covered through laying of new pipelines with integration of the existing network system. Operation & Maintenance and Pricing Policy In west Bengal, no water tariff has since been implemented except in certain cases where the same has been applied to bulk supplies only within KMA. It is necessary to evolve suitable policy structure for earning avenues through water charges so that the involved cost of generation, its distribution and O&M can be meet up avoiding service debt liabilities as far as possible. In this context it is pertinent to mention that the Municipal Finance Commission, Government Of West Bengal has observed to introduce the water tariff (Page 10, Para 2.47) at a graded manner protecting ordinary users while taxing larger users and commercial and industrial undertakings.

II-31

The water tariffs, which are already in force within KMA, may be observed below: Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC): No charge is adopted for ferrule sizes of to 3/8 for slum dwellers and for bulk supply to commercial establishments it is charged @ Rs. 10/- per kilolitre. Kolkata Metropolitan Water & Sanitation Authority: The water charges adopted by KMW&SA are as follows: Industrial Users @ Rs. 15/- per kilolitre. b) For domestic use in fringe areas @ Rs. 30/- per connection per meter per month with one time connection charge of Rs.1150/-. Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (2001): For bulk supply to local bodies Rs. 3/- per kilolitre For Housing Society/Permanent House Rs. 4/- per kilolitre Industrial Rs.15/- per kilolitre Municipal Affairs Department (MAD), GoWB: Urban Local Bodies @ 30% of Property Tax with minimum of Rs. 35/- per month and maximum of Rs. 75/- for house connections. Commercial Establishments Rs.15/- per kilolitre. Operation & Maintenance Cost: The total annual O & M cost for a 20 mgd (90.92 MLD) generating plant has been estimated to Rs.1.61/ kilo litre. Recommendations Pricing Policy: For sustainable management, the pricing of water has been conceived as a powerful tool to the service provider. But due to socio-economic condition of the end users this goal is not achieved at all times. A pricing policy must be fixed up to ensure recovery of cost avoiding subsidization. Implementation of the water tariff should be made mandatory. Part of O & M cost may be included in the very beginning of the project report. New metering system may be provided. Timely completion of the Projects to minimize cost of production. Necessary legislations may be formed to collect the fund through the issue of Bonds. Accordingly to arrive at a rational approach of the water tariff few points may be observed: II-32

a.

For relief of the slum or bustee dwellers using taps/stand posts, there should not be water charges. But any house connection in the slum must be on the pay basis. The loss of water through public stand posts must be controlled by reducing the number of stand posts. Separate account may be maintained for O & M. 20% of the collected fee may be kept aside to meet the O & M cost. Early replacement of old worn out mains for stopping leakages to minimize losses.

b. c. d. e.

Sewerage, Drainage & Sanitation Strategy for Improvement Drainage System : For drainage system, various strategies for improvement have been taken up to have our environmental scenario to a basic standard. The strategies of KMA are as: Improvement of existing drainage channels, khals & canals within the stipulated boundary ; Renovation / Augmentation / construction of pump houses, pumping stations outfall structures over the entire area ; Interlinking of existing canals & channels ; Improvement of internal drainage network ; Providing lining to the drainage channels & canals (as per requirement) and the reconstruction of culverts & bridges all over ; The non-municipal urban areas and rural areas are also provided with improvement of drainage (interception, diversion, L. S., MPS etc.).

II-33

Sewerage System: The sewerage system are mostly dealt in the municipal urban areas, however some non-municipal urban areas closely associated with a particular municipal urban area have been taken into consideration. The strategies are like : Portion of 15 nos. of municipal towns under GAP phase I & II with river Hoogly as main outfall to be sewerd by 2025; Desiltation, renovation & rehabilitations of existing sewerage networks are to be taken up covering entire KMA; Renovation, Augmentation of existing sewerage pumping stations & sewerage treatment plants are to be taken up keeping a eye over entire KMA & Some non-municipal urban areas adjoining to municipal urban areas, having sewerage treatment plants & sewerage pumping stations are to considered.

Sanitation System: The strategy for improvements has been taken up with special attention because huge developmental works are open for the entire areas of KMA. The strategies are : 26 nos. of municipal towns not covered under GAP phase I & II will be served by On Site sanitation. Solid waste management programme for all municipal towns under KMA to be covered by 2025 through modern SWM technologies. Bio-medical wastes are originated from medical activities and these are hazardous, toxic & sometimes lethal in nature. Hazardous wastes are generated mainly from industrial wastes. Industries discharging toxic effluents must treat before discharging to any outfall system. Treatment plant at Haldia will cover entire waste generation for hazardous wastes of the state of W.B by BOT system which can cover 0.21 million tons of hazardous waste per year.

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Basic Services for Urban Poor

Urban poor occupies an important place in the agenda of urban development. As the developmental interventions have striven to be inclusive in nature, the needs of urban poor have always merited priority treatment in design of such interventions. One of the important strategies of urban development has been that of targeting urban poor for redistributive justice. The sample survey of KMAhouseholds carried out during 1997 showed that although the proportion of urban poor in total population was around 19 % by income criterion, the same was found to be around 34% by calorie intake. The 55th round NSS data showed that proportion of urban poor by income criterion in total urban population in the state declined to 15% in 2000. If urban poverty is looked at as a composite index covering various factors including access to basic infrastructure and services, the percentage of urban poor in total population will be higher than the same by income criteria. Nevertheless, the proportion of urban people living in slums has not declined and yet 30% of total population of KMA is slum dwellers. Even though all slum dwellers may not be categorized as income-poor, but slum dwellers do lack basic infrastructure facilities and services. As the developmental interventions strive to be inclusive in nature, urban poor does merit priority treatment in design of interventions. One of the important strategies has been that of targeting urban poor for re-distributive justice. The first intervention of KMDA in the arena of urban development way back in the early 1970s was addressed to slum dwellers or urban poor. Since then, there has been an interesting evolution of the initiatives for the urban poor in KMA. The initial focus on development of a package of physical infrastructure in the slums was supplemented by development of social and economic infrastructures and through the three phases of Calcutta Urban Development Programmes (CUDPs), 2.097 million slum dwellers had been covered with programmatic benefits. Later on, under Calcutta Slum Improvement Programme (CSIP), the programmatic approach called for design of comprehensive development of a slum settlement. The three phases of CSIP covered 0.335 million slum dwellers. The India Population Project-VIII (IPPVIII) brought about coverage of 3.5 million urban poor with various health care services. The involvement of local communities and especially of community women facilitated successful implementation of the programmes. For IPP-VIII, community based Honorary Health Workers (HHWs) all women acted as pillars. One of the important components of CSIP was community development including empowerment of women that had not only sensitized the urban poor about their II-35

needs but also helped sustain the development initiatives. Successful implementation of CSIP through the observed impacts among slum dwellers called for and led to design of a larger programme for urban poor, called Kolkata Urban Services for Poor (KUSP). The Kolkata Metropolitan Planning Committee (KMPC) appointed Sector Committee on Education, Health, Slum and Employment has prepared, inter alia, a Development Plan for slum and the General Body of KMPC has recently approved the same. The Plan has recommended certain strategies, as noted below, for interventions targeted at urban poor, especially those living in slums of KMA: The issue of land tenure as well as security of tenure of slum dwellers needs to be looked into, as there have been cases where the slum dwellers have been compelled to move out after improvements in environment have been carried out. The provisions of Thika Tenancy (Acquisition & Regulation) Act 1981 and enforcement thereof need to be properly examined and, if necessary, legal amendments should be carried out. Sustained initiatives on generation of awareness regarding appropriate use of infrastructure and services as well as prevention of misuse thereof are extremely important for cost effective service delivery. So far a major part of interventions in slums have been confined to infrastructure development. It is proposed that pucca slum superstructure development be taken up henceforth along with provision of required infrastructure. For this purpose, low cost technologies should receive priority. All the lands occupied in slums shall be notified under the Thika Tenancy Act and dwelling units for slum families will be constructed thereon. Further, funds from different slum related development programmes such as VAMBAY and NSDP may be pooled for meeting the capital cost for the above. Borrowing from financial institutions may need to be resorted to. For debt servicing, enhanced rent may be collected from beneficiaries and the same used for the purpose. Necessary governmental support may also be provided.

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 Physical infrastructure development, on the one hand, and education, health, economic rehabilitation and community development, on the other, need to be properly co-ordinated within a slum. The need for devising mechanism for involvement of beneficiaries through Community Based Organizations (CBOs), particularly the Community Development Societies (CDSs) formed under the SJSRY programme, in planning, prioritizing and implementation of slum improvement programme. Some of the slum level development works could be contracted out to CBOs so as to sustain their interest in slum development initiatives. The lands made available out of removal of khatals (cowsheds) from Kolkata should be used for residential and also non-residential purposes benefiting slum dwellers only. This particularly important in view of such lands being eyed by private developers for profiteering. Such khatal lands could be used for providing residential tenements to slum dwellers under VAMBAY scheme of Government of India. Employment generation should get priority and appropriate attention for intervention, as slums witness a good deal of skilled workforce. In this context, an enhanced participation of women in economic activities was emphasized. There is also a need for designing necessary steps, both legal and otherwise, for providing security to borrowers seeking bank finance for economic pursuits. The involvement of ULBs in designing and imparting vocational training and helping the self-employed in marketing of their products and services was emphasized. There is a need for checking dropout of slum children from primary education, the incidence of drop out being noticed to be higher among SC/ST and minority households. The Ward Education Committees should immediately be formed in each municipal ward and they should monitor proper functioning of Sarbo Siksha Kendras including arrangement of proper training for Sahayikas and suitable involvement of RCVs and NGOs. The Plan appends a Short Term Action Plan with a view to providing Pucca dwelling units to the projected slum families over the next 5 years

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As for a five-year Action Plan, an estimate of slum population prepared on the basis of present trend only, is worked out for the five-year period from 2004-05 to 2008-09. The total estimated slum population in the 40 ULBs of KMA in 2009 works out to 2.43 million. Based on an average household size of 7, the total number of slum household works out to 0.3 million. It has been estimated that an amount of Rs.80,000.00 shall be required for construction of one dwelling unit for a slum HH, including cost of infrastructure development. This would call for a total investment of Rs.2391 crore at current prices by 2008-09 for the 40 ULBs of KMA. For KMC area, it may be assumed that 5 percent of slum HH has already carried out the superstructure development and another 5 percent is likely to construct such dwelling units on their own as they have been given the title to the land. Therefore, 90 percent of slum HH in KMC area would need public sector intervention. Based on the average cost of Rs.80,000.00 per slum dwelling unit, an amount of Rs.1567 crore at current prices shall be required for KMC area by 2009. Thus, the total investment need for providing one dwelling unit for one household in the 41ULBs of KMA would add up to Rs.3958 crore. As for financing of such massive investment needs, the Plan suggested that 30 percent of the estimated investment may be pooled from the various development/ investment programmes of the Central and State Governments. The remaining 70 percent may need to be secured from financial institutions as soft loan that would carry an annual rate of interest of 6 percent and repayable in 10 years. Again, of the total annual debt servicing liability, 25 percent could be met from additional rent to be collected from the beneficiaries and another 25 percent from commercial exploitation of land to be generated out of reorganizing the slums at their present sites. The remaining 50 percent of the debt servicing liability should be met from state budgetary support. In concluding, the Plan observed that the strategies recommended in the Plan should be considered appropriately while designing any slum development projects and the same should also be taken into account while finalizing the details of KUSP. It was appreciated that by no means KUSP funding would be adequate and further sources of funds would have to be explored outside the purview of KUSP for addressing the requirements of urban poor, so that a healthy and productive living environment can be provided to the urban poor including slum dwellers. Kolkata Urban Services for the Poor (KUSP) now being implemented by Change Management Unit under Municipal Affairs Dept., Govt. of West Bengal. KUSP and assisted by Department for International Development (DFID) of the Government of United Kingdom involves an investment of more than Rs.700 crore over a period of 7 years. The purpose of the KUSP project is to provide Improved quality of life and opportunity for 2.4 million poor in the 40 ULBs of KMA. The expected outputs are: (a) Improved urban planning and governance (b) Improved access to urban services (c) Economic development promoted

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KUSP is thus a programme aiming at a sustainable improvement of quality of life for urban poor. To achieve this, the programme supports improved municipal services, economic development for the poor and a sustainable preventive health care system owned by a duly capacitated ULB. Along with improvement of civic infrastructures like water supply, sanitation and drainage in the municipal area, the programme acts as a vehicle for municipal reforms improving revenue, accounts, technical and administrative efficiency of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). The important tools proposed are Resource Mobilization, improved urban governance, inclusive planning and Capacity Building of ULBs along with the Govt. and semi-Govt. agencies responsible for facilitating ULB functions. Citizens (specially the vulnerable groups) participation in planning, implementation and post work management of the assets is a priority. To develop a coordinated action plan through out the state the programme envisages preparation of an urban strategy for West Bengal. Howrah gets special attention in the programme and provision has been made to prepare a Rejuvenation and Development Plan for the city. Out of the financial aid 67.35%, 5% and 4.4% will be for infrastructure development, economic development and health support respectively. The rest goes for Capacity Building (11.20%) planning (3.04%), innovative/ challenge fund (4.4%) and monitoring and management (4.6%).

The main focus KUSP during the first three years will be on systemic changes in ULBs and support organizations consisting of i. ii. iii. iv. v. vi. vii. viii. ix. Organizational development Introduction of accrual based double entry accounting system E-governance and GIS/ MIS Augmentation of technical resources Bottom up planning, implementation and post work management involving community based organizations like ward committee and CDS. Preparation of Draft Development Plan (DDP) for five (5) years and Annual Development Plan (ADP) Some pilot local economic development initiatives Initiating strengthening of the HHW system for Health Care Remodeling of working relation of Support agencies like MED, DLB, SUDA, ILGUS and WBVB among themselves and optimizing their help process to ULBs. Fund allotment to ULBs through competitive process. Slum level infrastructure works to be planned, implemented and managed (post work) by slum level organizations. DFID to review the procurement procedures for contractors, suppliers and service providers. Strong quality checks of works, accounts & procurement procedure through third party quality support agency and external audit.

x. xi. xii. xiii.

The major fund flow for infrastructure works and economic development will be coming from year 4 after the planning is completed and documented through Draft

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Development Plan (DDP). A robust process for preparation of DDPs has been developed aimed at achieving consensus among all stakeholders. The West Bengal Municipal Act 1993 also requires ULBs to prepare Draft Development Plans addressing the entire range of municipal functions. KUSP envisages the DDP as a comprehensive business plan of the ULBs that set out a broad vision and strategy while also providing the framework for allocating project funds and government support. The major works done so far under KUSP (refer to the Table next page for details): 1. Slum Infrastructure work in 94 slums in 2004-2005. Community contracting was introduced. 15 ULBs did slum infrastructure work through CDS in the first year. Work to be implemented through CDS has become compulsory in the second year. 2. Allocation of untied Incentive Fund based on performance of ULBs in Revenue enhancement, service delivery and public participation in 2004-2005 and 2005-2006. 3. Initiation of work of switching over to accrual based double entry system. 31 ULBs have prepared opening balances so far. 4. Initiation of work for preparation for Draft Development Plan. 5. Strengthening of HHW system of Health Care started. 6. Two livelihood projects and some short run interventions started for local economic development 7. 85 Ward offices sanctioned. 8. Organizational development initiatives started. ULBs encouraged and given guidance for formulation of Citizens Charter. 9. Innovative/ Challenge Fund proposals from civil society solicited and 10 projects selected for support 10. Technical augmentation of ULBs done by providing one Accounts and Finance coordinator, one Urban Planner, one graduate Engineer (redeployed from KMDA) and in service Executive Officers (redeployed from W.B.C.S. allied service officers. 11. Training and capacity building of ULBs.

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The Participatory-cum-Consultative Process

It should be worthwhile to note that Kolkata Metropolitan Area is the only metropolitan center in the country, which has in place a planning committee called Kolkata Metropolitan Planning Committee (KMPC), in pursuance to the provisions of 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992. The State Government of West Bengal enacted the West Bengal Metropolitan Planning Committee (WB MPC) Act in 1994 and constituted the KMPC under provisions of the Act in late 2000. The KMPC under chairmanship of the Honble Chief Minister of West Bengal is composed of 60 members, of which 40 are elected and 20 nominated by the State Government. The 40 members of KMPC are elected from amongst the peoples elected representatives at the Panchayat and ULB levels within KMA. The nominated 20 members include representatives from amongst professionals, apart from including some Zilla Sabhadhipatis, MLAs and MPs. Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), which is a statutory planning and development authority for KMA under the West Bengal Town and Country (Planning & Development) Act 1979, has been designated as the technical secretariat of KMPC. The 60-member General Body of KMPC has, in turn, constituted an Executive Committee under chairmanship of the Honble Minister-in-charge of Urban Development. The Executive Committee deals with preparation of the different sectoral plans. The WB MPC Act provides for preparation of Draft Development Plans for the metropolitan area having regard to the plans prepared by the constituent units of local self-government. KMPC is also mandated to co-ordinate implementation of the plans and the development activities of various central and state government agencies in a cohesive manner within the boundaries of KMA. The Executive Committee of KMPC, in turn, has established five Sector Committees comprising representatives from the general body of KMPC, the state government departments/agencies, the technical officers of KMDA, the representatives of business/ industries etc. The five Sectoral Committees have been dealing with the following Sectors: (a) Water Supply; (b) Drainage, Sewerage & Sanitation; (c) Traffic and Transportation; (d) Environment, Wetlands, Heritage etc.; and (e) Health, Education, Employment and Slum. Each of the Sector Committees is to prepare a sectoral Master Plan/Development Plan that would not only lay down the strategies of development in each sector but also identify the major schematic interventions needed in each sector over a period of time. Each Sectoral Master/Development Plan shall annex a 5-year investment plan based on the revealed priorities.

It is highly pertinent to note that the sectoral plans have been based on a 25-year perspective plan, Vision 2025, prepared for Kolkata Metropolitan Area. This plan has worked out the projected population and economic activities in KMA on the basis of both existing and emerging trends of growth and has attempted to broadly quantify the requirements of the various infrastructural needs in KMA. Vision 2025 has set out the goals and objectives of development in each sector of infrastructure and services as well as the development strategies to be followed in each sector. These exercises have duly taken into account the prevalent urban development policies and strategies of the State Government while projecting the future growth and needs of infrastructure. There have been continual interactions between those conceptualizing II-40A II-41

the Vision 2025 document and those engaged in preparation of Sectoral Master/Development Plans so that proper synthesis between the vision and the planned interventions could be achieved. It has already been mentioned that the Sector Committees of KMPC included, among others, elected representatives from constituent ULBs, with the Chairman of each Sector Committee being an elected representative either an MP or an MLA or a Mayor/ Municipal Chairperson. With Ward Committees having been established in each ULB, irrespective of population size, the elected municipal representatives at the different KMPC Sector Committees and in the General Body of KMPC carried with them the feedback received from the Ward Committees at each ULB level and shared the same with those engaged in preparation of the plans to see that the plans reflected ULBs expectations in proper perspective. Thus the finally drafted Vision 2025 as well as the Sectoral Master/Development Plans have been preceded by several rounds of interactions and consultations with the members of Executive Committee and also the General Body of KMPC, thereby adopting a consultative process of planning involving peoples elected representatives and also representatives of other interest groups. As many as 8 no. of meetings of the Executive Committee of KMPC, had taken place before finalization of the plans. Several meeting of the Water Supply Sector Committee; the Drainage, Sewerage & Sanitation Sector Committee; the Traffic & Transportation Sector Committee; the Environment, Wetlands, Heritage etc. Sector Committee; and the Health, Education, Employment & Slum Sector Committee have been held while drafting the Sectoral Plans. The Vision 2025 as well as the Sectoral Master/Development Plans have been approved by the General Body of KMPC in the recently held meeting in early January 2006. Each of the Sectoral Master Plans for (a) Water Supply; (b) Drainage, Sewerage & Sanitation; and (c) Traffic & Transportation has annexed a broad investment plan that need to be carried out in phases. The first phase covering the first 5 years of the Plan includes projects of relatively high priorities as revealed through the consultative process of planning. Similarly, each of the Sector Development Plans for (a) Environment, Wetlands, Heritage etc.; and (b) Health, Education, Employment & Slum has annexed a 5-year investment plan. It should be interesting to note that implementation of all the proposals in these plans shall be the responsibility of respective government departments or Autonomous Bodies. KMPC would endeavour to co-ordinate implementation of the plans in a symbiotic manner. Since the representative of various Departments and autonomous bodies are members of KMPC such monitoring becomes effective. The Plans thus prepared not only reflect social needs and priorities but also secure participation of various stakeholders such as business, industry, the central government agencies etc. The City Development Plan for KMA has been prepared in the background of Vision 2025 and the Sectoral Master/Development Plans prepared under aegis of KMPC. Essentially, the CDP has been evolved out of this plan documents and as such the preparation of CDP has had the benefit of participation of various stakeholders in the consultative planning process and the CDP duly reflects the social needs and priorities of the people of KMA. It should also be pertinent to note that the State Level Steering Committee (SLSC) that has II-40B II-42

accorded approval to the CDP and its various schematic proposals does include, among others, members from elected representatives.

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Reform Agenda
In order to achieve the goals and objectives pertaining to the Vision, for KMA, a number of reform agenda has been initiated in KMA. Decentralization is one such item that has been adopted as paradigm for planning and development of urban infrastructure and services within KMA. The efforts towards decentralization of the State Governments found its legal backing in the enactment of 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992. For KMA, Kolkata Metropolitan Planning Committee has been constituted following enactment of West Bengal Metropolitan Planning Committee Act of 1994. KMPC is constituted of 60 members of which 40 are elected from amongst elected representatives within KMA and the remaining 20 nominated by the State Government. KMPC is the first of its kind in India and is responsible for preparation of a metropolitan level development plan having regard to the development plans prepared by the constituent ULBs of KMA. It is worthwhile to mention that KMPC has already approved Vision 2025 the long range development perspective for KMA and also the Sectoral Master Plans for Traffic and Transportation, Water Supply and Sewerage, Drainage & Sanitation and also the Development Plans for Education, Health, Employment & Slum and Environment, Westland & Heritage. All these Plans have been prepared by enlisting participation of elected peoples representatives from within KMA. Moreover, the Bengal Municipal Act has been thoroughly overhauled in 1993 to provide for the requisite support to the process of decentralization. One of the important reform agenda has been that of ensuring transparency and accountability in the various urban development initiatives. Not only efforts have been made to develop a transparent means to achieve competitiveness in project implementation, but also involvement of local community has been resorted to with a view to achieving accountability. Community participation has played a big role in this endeavour. It may be worth mentioning that in each ULB, Ward Committees have been formed so as to facilitate peoples participation. The State Government has encouraged formation of Community Development Society (CDS) under the Government of India sponsored SJSRY programme. The Neighbourhood Groups (NHGs) formed under CDSs have been instrumental in effective participation of local community in urban planning and development process within the ULB areas. The process of community participation will be refined further, if necessary, to make it more effective. Financial management is another area that is high on priority of the reform agenda. The municipal authorities have been highly disorganized in fiscal matters. One of the major constraints has been the lack of proper records with necessary data and information updating. Recently, KMDA has piloted efforts to introduce GIS based assembly of relevant data and information in ULBs, including financial data. Under the DFID assisted Kolkata Urban Services for Poor (KUSP) project, it is striven to enable each ULB to switch over from the present accounting practice of single entry cash based system to that of double entry accrual based system. This would go a long way in improving municipal financial management as the same would enable a distinction between capital and revenue accounts and bring to surface all the contingent liabilities as well as assets. With computerization of the accounting system the municipal financial management can be vastly improved, II-42

without which the decentralized planning and development cannot be properly implemented. The planning and development agenda in KMA places emphasis on the needs and aspirations of urban poor by targeting budgetary outlays against pro-poor schemes. While comprehensive development of slum is one area of such budgetary intervention, construction of dwelling units for the poorest of the poor, including those belonging to BPL category, under the Government of India sponsored VAMBAY scheme. The Reform Agenda at the level of the State Government is annexed. Impacts of Reform Agenda The introduction of decentralized planning and development process in West Bengal has already been done through enactment of DPC and MPC Acts. Moreover, the Bengal Municipal Act has also been thoroughly overhauled to support functioning of the decentralized institutional framework in the State. This set of reforms has substantially improved the planning process by which better reflection of social priorities has been achieved through participation of people in this decentralized framework. Kolkata Metropolitan Planning Committee (KMPC) has been constituted as the first of its kind in India and the same has been functioning effectively within KMA. The long-range perspective plan viz. Vision 2025 and sectoral Master/Development Plans have been finalized through a democratically decentralized planning process at the instance of KMPC. Following the Twelfth Schedule of 74th Constitutional Amendment Act of 1992, the functions defined under the Schedule have been assigned to the ULBs. The State Government intends to consider repeal of the Urban Land (Ceiling & Regulation) Act 1976 in the terminal year of JNNURM, as the same has been suggested as a mandatory reform. Such repeal would allow lands comprised in closed and sick industries within the metropolitan area and other urban centers to be released and available for real estate, commercial, residential and related developments. This would definitely have beneficial impacts on the local economy in terms of generating new businesses. Moreover, such new type of activities would accrue higher revenues to the municipal coffer with enhanced valuation of properties/premises. The West Bengal Premises Tenancy Act was thoroughly overhauled in 1997 and then amended, with the latest amendment taken place in 2005. This Act provides for a number of reforms pertaining to both transfer of tenancy and regulation of rent. The amended Act has endeavoured to strike a balance between interests of both landlords and tenants. For instance, all properties below the rental ceiling of Rs.65000.00 only are covered by the provision of rent control. It is expected that this reform would provide boost to not only construction of new house but also maintenance of the old houses so as to prevent them from depletion. The reduction of Stamp Duty over a period of 5 years would also give a fillip to construction of houses and dwelling units. II-43

The provisions in the Bengal Municipal Act provide for not only enlistment of community participation but also transparency in functioning of the ULBs in the arena of development and management. The emphasis on cost recovery and improved collection efficiency in respect of Property Tax in the context of ULB-level reform would add to municipal revenues and consequently enhance sustainability of municipal assets in terms of better operation and maintenance. It has been estimated that ULBs would be able to provide increasing contribution to finance the City Development Plan. Further, it is assumed that with better revenue performance and with introduction of double entry accrual based accounting system at the ULBs, credit rating of the ULBs would be feasible and they would be able to access the capital market to raise resources for development.

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