Regional Setting
Regional Setting
Regional Setting
Regional Setting
Kolkata, formerly Calcutta is the capital of the state of West Bengal. It is located
in eastern India on the east bank of the River Hooghly, urban agglomeration and the
fourth-largest city in India.
Location: Kolkata is located in eastern India at 22°33′N, 88°20′E in the Ganges Delta ,
spread linearly along the banks of the River Hooghly in a north-south direction.
Soil Characteristics: Like the most of the Indo-Gangetic plains, the predominant soil
type is Alluvial.
Rainfall: Annual rainfall 1582mm (62inch) - south west monsoon between June and
September
Often during early summers dusty squalls followed by spells of thunderstorm or
hailstorms and heavy rains cum ice sleets lash the city, bringing relief from the humid
heat. These thunderstorms are convective in nature, and is locally known as Kal
baisakhi (Nor'westers)
Source: www.googleearth.com
Sunshine: The city receives 2,528 hours of sunshine per annum, with maximum
sunlight occurring in March.
Pollution: Pollution is major concern in Collate; suspended particulate matter (SPM) is
high as compared to other major cities of India, leading to regular smog and haze.
.
Chapter 3
History and Growth
2. Suburbs denote the area with Calcutta Urban Agglomeration but outside the Calcutta Municipal
Corporation.
3. Cossipur-Chitpur and Manicktala were separate towns in the years 1901-1921,and Tollygunge
remained as a separate town during 1901-51.
4. The rise in the share of Calcutta Municipal Corporation‘s population in 1991 is mainly due to the
inclusion of Jadavpur, South suburban and garden Reach municipalities in 1984.
The increase in population of Calcutta proper and the suburbs has been due to
(a) Natural increase
(b) Immigration
(c) Addition of areas
Considering the above three factors, the decennial increase of population is not
much except during the period 1931-41 when about 77 per cent of the population was
added. However in the period 1911-21 the growth was the lowest, i.e 3.63 per cent. The
shifting of the capital of British India and the first world war were the main reasons.
Population of the suburbs has increased faster in the last census decade the change
was 50.96 per cent. Further the percentage of population residing in Calcutta proper to
the total population of the urban agglomeration has decreased from 62.74 per cent in
1901 to about 40.51 per cent in 1991. It appears that growth in Calcutta proper is
reaching a saturation point. The marginal increase in population here is basically due to
change in housing designs in order to accommodate a larger number of persons and
construction of houses in fringe areas.
3.3 Four Phases of Development:
3.3.1 First Phase, 1690-1793: Fig 3.3.1 First Phase of Growth
4.1 Demography
4.1.1 Population of Kolkata Metropolitan Area
Fig 4.1.1 Map of KMA
Size of population and its distribution over space play a very significant role in
spatial planning. According to census 2001 the total population of Kolkata Metropolitan
Area (KMA) is 14.96 million spread over an area of 1851.41 sq.km.
Fig 4.1.2 Growth of Population
POPULATION GROWTH
14.96
15 9.98 11.02
POP. IN 10
MILLIONS 5
0
1981 1991 2001
There has been a steady increase in the growth of population over the last two
decades. Growth Rate of Kolkata for the two decades has been 10.4% and 35.7%
4.1.2 Population Density
Population density is expressed as persons/hectare. Density greatly affects the
environmental condition of urban life. The scope for accommodating future addition to
population in high-density areas is much smaller than such scope in low density areas.
Fig 4.1.3 Population Density over last four decades (expressed in PPH)
POP. DENSITY
100 82.4
70.8
80 55.9 58.7
60
40
20
0
1971 1981 1991 2001
The population density has increased tremendously in the last four decades.
According to census 2001 the total population of Kolkata Municipal Corporation area is
4,572,876 spread over an area of 185 sq.km.
4.1.5 Population of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Fig 4.1.6 Composition of Male and Female
2500040 2072836
3000000
2000000
FEMALE
45%
1000000 MALE
55%
0
MALE FEMALE
The female population in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation area is quite less as
compared to the male population. Density of population in KMC is 247 PPH. Sex ratio is
829 and house hold size is 4.9.
4.1.3 Population of Howrah Municipal Corporation
According to census 2001 the total population of Howrah Municipal Corporation area is
1,007,532 spread over an area of 51.74 sq.km.
Fig 4.1.7 Male and Female Population Fig 4.1.8 Composition of Male and Female
523917
550000
483615 FEMALE
500000 48% MALE
52%
450000
MALE FEMALE
POPULATION OF BIDDHAN
NAGAR
83220
85000 81001
80000
75000
MALE FEMALE
FEMALE
49% MALE
51%
SEX RATIO
973
1000 906
900 829
800
700
KMC HOWRAH BIDDHAN
NAGAR
Sex Ratio of Kolkata Municipal Corporation is much less than the other Municipal
Corporations.
4.1.6 Household Size
Household size presents the average number of members in each house.
HH SIZE
5.5 5.1
4.9
5
4.3
4.5
4
3.5
KMC HOWRAH BIDDHAN
NAGAR
Household size of Biddhan Nagar Area is quite low as compared to Howrah and Kolkata
Municipal Corporation.
Fig no. 4.1.13 Ward Wise Density Map of Kolkata Municipal Corporation
4.2
6% 5%
94% 95%
94%
86%
SC-ST population in Bidhannagar is comparatively higher than other two cities i.e.
Haora and Kolkata.
In Bidhannagar it is 14% of the total population where as in Kolkata and in Haora it is
6% and 5% respectively. Overall average it remains 6% of the total collective
population.
4.2.1 Literacy:
Table 4.2.3 Literacy
26%
24%
Literates
Literates
Illiterates Illiterates
74% 76%
Bibhan Nagar Literacy Total Literacy
26%
36%
Literates Literates
Illiterates Illiterates
64%
74%
Literacy in Kolkata and Haora is almost same i.e. 74% and 76% respectively. In
Bidhannagar the literacy is 64%.
Overall literacy is 74% in study area.
4.2.2 Working Population:
Table 4.2.3 Working Population
34%
38%
Total Working Total Working
population population
Rem aining population Rem aining population
62%
66%
Working Population in Bidhan Nagar Total Working Population
37%
40% Total Working
population
Total Working
Rem aining population population
Remaining population
60%
63%
Total working population in KMC and HMC is almost same 38% and 34% and
Bidhan Nagar Working population is much higher than which is 60% but average
working population is 37%.
4.2.3 Marginal Workers:
Table 4.2.4 Marginal Workers
95% 96%
Marginal workers in all the three areas are same i.e. 4% to 5% only.
4.2.4 Working Population (M/F):
Table 4.2.5 Working Population
95% 95%
Total Working population (Female) 266,186 33,571 15,973
Source: Census, 2001
85% 90%
75%
85%
Source: Census 2001
Female workers % in total working population is less in KMC, HMC and in total
working population in all the three areas i.e. 15%, 10% & 15% respectively.
But Bidhannagar female working population is almost 1/4th i.e. 25% of total
working population.
98%
97%
HH Industry Workers Bidhan Nagar Total HH Industry Workers
1% 2%
99% 98%
Total HH industry workers are very low in proportion compare to total working
population it varies from 1% to 3% in all areas.
4.2.6 Migrants to Kolkata City during 1921-91:
Following table shows the total migration in Kolkata from 1921-1991. Major
significant migration seen in 1951 due to division after independence and in 1971 due to
formation East Pakistan i.e. Bangladesh. In 1951 maximum migration recorded 52.76%
and in 1971 i.e. 33.86%.
Table 4.2.7 Migrants to Kolkata City
198,853 27.91
West Bengal (other Places)
Other states in India 326,253 45.78
Outside India 187,291 26.28
Unclassifiable 220 0.03
Total Migrants 712,617 100.00
Source: CDP Kolkata
Unclassifiable
45.78%
KMA‘s share in West Bengal by sector reduced evenly as per time primary sector
is reduced to one third secondary and tertiary sector also reduced little bit.
SDP in KMA by sector: Earlier in 85-86 it was 40% and 56% in secondary and
tertiary sector share of secondary sector reduced as per time and as KMA become
urbanized more and more tertiary sector component touching 70%.
Table 4.2.10 Growth of Productive Capital and Net Value
Area Productive Capital (Rs in thousand) Net Value Added (Rs in thousand)
Table 4.2.11 No. of Large & Medium Industry units & Investment therein from 1991 to 2002:
Share of
West KMA- KMA in
Sr.No. Industry Item
Bengal districts West
Bengal
Chapter 5
Resources
5.1 Land
Kolkata city, under the jurisdiction of the KMC, has an area of 185 km² .The
Kolkata urban agglomeration, however, has continuously expanded and the urban
agglomeration Kolkata Metropolitan area is spread over 1,750 km².
5.1.1 Land Distribution in Kolkata Metropolitan Area
Table 5.1 Land Distribution in Kolkata Metropolitan Area
Distribution of Land
14%
7%
Built up
Roads
Open Spaces
79%
The land distribution pattern in KMC shows that about 79% of the land is already
built up on and only 14% of land has been left for open spaces; also the percentage
under roads is also 7% which is one of the major reasons for the poor condition of
traffic.
5.1.3 Land Suitability
About 16.2% land in Kolkata is very good for development, around 42.2% is
considered good while 36% of the land is not suitable for development, and this
indicates that the majority of the land is developable, in terms of soil quality and bearing
capacity of the soil.
Fig 5.2 Land suitable for development in KMC
16.20%
good
42.20% very good
17.70% very poor
poor
moderate
19.60% 4.00%
Source:www.kmdaonline.org
Source-www.magicbricks.com
Land rate is highest around the central part of the city near the CBD area, like the
park street and the Ballygunge .The eastern part of the city has medium land rates,
while land rates are lowest in the northern and the southern parts. Since most of the
development is taking place in the eastern part of the city like Saltlake and New town,
land rates are presently on the higher side.
5.1.5
Area Land Rate/ sq ft 2005 Land
Polici
Alipore 6250 es-
5.1.6.4 Dankuni
The land of the delineated area is predominantly vacant.The existing topography
is flat.All Vacant land are unproductive for agricultural use,but low lying having hard
strata,suitable for development.Only land filling of 1.2 m depth is needed.All the parcels
of land are presently under private ownership and supposed to be handed over to the
government.
5.2 Resource: Finance
The public sector has been a prominent actor in the urban housing sector in the State of
West Bengal for the past three decades. Housing reforms introduced in tandem with
economic reforms since 1990 have led to a shift in public housing strategies from direct
provision of housing to providing housing in a more market-oriented model. In line with
international trends, privatization, partnerships, cost recovery, efficiency, productivity
and choices have been the dominant concepts gaining ground. Any number of
newspapers, articles, trade bulletins, investment advertisements and political debates
could be cited to support the phenomenal change in the housing sector in Kolkata in
recent years. The liberalization process in India, started in 1991, has been pervasive but
its application has not been stringently enforced and, thus, it is yet to establish a firm
foothold. State governments, in general, have been given enough leeway in their modus
operandi, and in determining the degree of liberalization, to be free to tailor policies to
suit their socioeconomic and political contexts. States such as West Bengal, as a result,
have been vying for the opportunity that liberalization has offered despite their socialist
political environment. As well as creating conditions for attracting private and foreign
capital for accelerating real estate growth, the State is also seeking to strengthen its
position as a housing provider in the market.
Table 5.4 Estimated Growth of Public Housing Stock
Ratio of
Population of Total Ratio of public
household to
Kolkata public housing stock
Year public
Metropolitan housing per
housing
Area(millions) stock 1000population
dwellings
Percentage
increase, 30.30 -17.40 17.30
1991-2004
Source: Population from National Institute of Urban Affairs (2001); KMDA (2000); GOWB (1988, 1991,
2004a, 2004b).
Table 5.5 KMDA’s classification of the proportion of Different Income Groups in Kolkata
Private housing
Public Housing
Median market
Median
Household
area Median
income House House
Type (square current
per month Median Price to Price to
metres) estimated
(Rs) Price Income Income
Market
Ratio Ratio
Price
Tiles/Slates 34.86%
Grass/Thatch/Bamboo 21.61%
Concrete 20.86%
Among the districts the highest percentage of household having tiles / slates as
roof material are Maldah (64.11%), Haora (57.33%) and N. 24Parganas (52.75%).
Birbhum has the highest percentage of households having grass/ thatch / bamboo as
roof material with 60.58% to total households followed by Bankura (47.68%) and
Medinipur (39.13%). Kolkata has the highest percentage of households (52.96%) living
under concrete roofs followed by Haora (32.20%) and N.24 Parganas (31.91%).
5.3.22 Walling Materials
Table 5.8 Walling Material Distribution in West Bengal
Burnt Brick 39.95
Grass/Thatch/Bamboo 16.88%
Source-Census 2001
In rural areas, however, burnt brick is the wall material in case of 23.05%
households in 2000 ,while in case of urban areas in 2000, 74.40% of the households
live in houses having burnt brick as wall material .In rural areas, however, mud /unburnt
brick still continue to be the dominant material for construction of walls at 52.47%..
Among the districts Kolkata has the highest percentage (82.76%) of households living in
houses with burnt brick as wall material followed by Haora (64.79%) and N. 24
Parganas (57.14%). Birbhum has the highest percentage of households (78.33%) living
in houses with mud / unburnt brick as wall material followed by Bankura (73.47%) and
Purulia (70.64%). North Bengal districts have higher percentage of houses built with
walls made of grass / thatch / bamboo etc. with Koch Bihar having 81.15% of the
households living in such houses.
5.3.23 Flooring Materials
Table 5.9 Flooring material Distribution in West Bengal
Mud 61.97%
Cement 32.23%
Brick/Stone 2.65%
Water Supply
Sewerage System
Drainage System
Garbage Disposal
Electricity
6.2 Water Supply
6.2.1Sources of Water Supply:
The Master Plan recommended use of ground water for Municipal Water Supply,
to northern side of KMA on both banks of the Hooghly, as it was found after
investigations by GSI that good ground water would be available in northern KMA.
The Master Plan recommended surface water supply in southern portions and
central portions of KMA. Piped water supply was suggested for those areas of central
and south KMA where population densities would be more than 25 PPA. Localised
ground water system was suggested for areas having less than 25 PPA.
The whole of Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) area was subdivided into
following:
Palta Service District—on the northern part of KMC in east bank for north of
Kolkata.
Deep tubewells in the parts of Jadavpur for the southern parts of KMC.
Garden Reach Service District—on the east bank for the south and south east of
Kolkata Corporation.
Present Situation
Municipal water supply presently is derived from treated surface water of River
Hooghly and through exploitation of ground water by Deep Tube Well (DTW) and Hand
Tube Well (HTW). Moreover, water demands of industrial, commercial and institution
(ICI) establishments are partly met by private exploitation of ground water. Major water
supply for KMA is available from surface water treatment plants located on different
parts of KMA. The ground water table level has gone down to 20m.
Surface treated water was not available to majority areas of KMA, so these areas
depend on ground water. Due to deep tube wells the quantity of water is becoming
unpredictable day by day.
The city and its suburbs require 330 million gallons of water per day (MGD).
However, the Calcutta Municipal Corporation's water supply falls woefully short.
Palta Water Works, built in the 1860s, currently supplies about 180 MGD. While
the Garden Reach Water Works built in the 1970s, supplies 60 MGD to pockets of south
Calcutta. The rest of the city's demand is met by deep tubewells, mostly located in
Jadavpur and the south-eastern fringes of Calcutta.
The city's water supply systems, most of which were built during the 1870s, have
developed cracks at several places, leading to a loss of 30 per cent of the water
supplied every day. This results in water reaching the city at very low pressure, which
has necessitated the installation of several booster pumping stations all over the city.
Fig 6.1 Sources of Water Supply
6.5 Electricity
Electricity in Kolkata is provided by CESC (Calcutta Electric Supply Corporation)
CESC Limited, a RPG company - brought thermal power to India more than 100 years
ago and supplies power to the city of Calcutta, serving 11 million population across its
licensed area, spread over 567 sq. km
6000 consumers used 12 million units of power in 1912 and in 1925 the quantity
delivered exceeded 100 million units. In 2001-02, the figure exceeded 7000 million
units. The peak load so far handled more than 1,200 MW. The number of CESC
consumers has already crossed 1.9 million.
It was in 1966 for the first time a project proposal for slum improvement work was
drawn up by the Calcutta Metropolitan Planning Organization (CMPO) for improving the
sanitary situation in the slums mainly to control cholera and other enteric diseases.
The standard of slum improvement has been as follows:
(1) One sanitary toilet for 5 families or 25 persons,
(2) One water tap for 50—100 persons,
(3) Some improvement in the drainage and internal road system and putting up street
lights.
Chapter 7
Spatial Structure
7.1. Introduction
7.1.1. History of Town Planning In Kolkata
Limits of Kolkata Were defined on 11 September 1794 By Lord Cornwallis for municipal
and judicial purposes. The first English settlement at Sutanuti consisted of mud and straw hovels
with a few masonry buildings, as the time went on their number increased. Total area covering
Sutanuti, Gobindapur & Kalikata as well as bazaar comprised 1692 acres.
In the 19th century Architectural & town planning policy was formed and Emphasis
on health, safety & convenience of the inhabitants. Town improvement committee marked the
beginning of laying of Great Central road running north and south through the whole length of
Kolkata.An axial route was planned as an alternative to it. But it was killed off by recoil of British
public opinion against the system of fund raising. Its place was taken by Fever Hospital
committee in the same year.
In Early 20th century Large and isolated road development schemes were suspended.
Development of suburban areas began.First planning document on Kolkata “report on
condition, improvement and town planning of city of Calcutta and contiguous areas” was
prepared by E.P Richards partly in London and partly in Kolkata between January 1913 and
March 1914.Report concluded by presenting 9 alternative schemes, with estimates of costs
Planning after Independence
The Calcutta metropolitan planning organization (CMPO) was formed in 1962 as a
result of cholera epidemics. For the first time technical skills of modern urban planning were
brought in order to provide relief in situations of acute urban crisis arising from inadequacy of
services and facilities.
7.1.2 Authorities
Municipalities 38 615.49
CMC
Non-Municipal 77 200.10
Urban/Census Towns
Outgrowths 16 18.19
Kolkata Municipal Corporation, the largest component of KMA with 197.54 sq.km
of area accounts for 10.60% of KMA‘s area and with 45.73 lakhs residents‘ accounts for
31.10% of KMA‘s population.
Other two municipal corporations viz; Chandanagore and Howrah extend over 3.9 (1.2 +
2.7) % of KMA‘s land accounting for 7.9 (1.1 + 6.8) % of KMA‘s population. The 38 municipal
towns of KMA extend over 33.2% KMA‘s land and shelter 45.1% of KMA‘s residents. The 77
CT‘s occupying only 10.80% of KMA‘s area providing home to 6.7% of KMA‘s population. a vast
chunk of KMA‘s land i.e. 40.3% is rural in nature accounting for only 8.7% of KMA‘s population.
Chapter 8
Urban Governance
8.1 Introduction
KMA has three municipalities. Namely: HMC (Howrah Municipal Corporation), KMC
(Kolkata Municipal Corporation), CMC (Chandannagar Municipal Corporation).
Planning and Development in KMA
• PRE INDEPENDENCE – BEFORE 1947
- Formation of Local Bodies
- Improvement Trust (CIT & HIT)
• POST INDEPENDENCE – AFTER 1947
- Municipalities for planning
- CMPO established in 1960
- Calcutta Metropolitan Planning Area (Use & Development of Land) Control Act, 1965
- Formation of KMDA in 1972
- West Bengal Town & Country Planning Act 1979
• POST CAA, 1992
- 73rd & 74th Constitution Amendment Act, 1992
8.2 Evolution of Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA)
Hoogly river plays important role in development of KMA as this river divides the area in
East and West today the total area under KMA is 1851 Sq. Km. This includes 24
Parganas (North), 24 Parganas (South) covering whole Calcutta district.
There are 41 Urban local bodies (38 Municipalities, 3 municipal corporations namely
Kolkata, Howrah, Chandannagore)
527 towns and villages (101 Gram panchayats) in KMA
3 Levels of Metropolitan Region
• Area falling under 50 K.M. radius called Inner metropolitan region
• Area falling under 75 K.M. radius called Intermediate metropolitan region
• Area falling under 100 K.M. radius called Kolkata metropolitan region
Spread over 6 districts Kolkata, Hoogly, Howrah, Nadia.
Spatial Structure for KMA
Dispersal is quite more in KMA in last 20 years
1. Availability of land comparatively lower price
2. Suburban rail system
Population of KMC and HMC area in 1961 was about 57% of total KMA and
reduced to 38% in 2001
Hierarchy of the Centers
a) Metro centre: Kolkata is first order metro centre with allotted population about 4.75
million in 2025 and will continue to dominate the activities in metropolis and in
hinterland.
b) Metro Sub-centre: Howrah has been considered as 2nd order metro centre with
allotted population of about 1.55 million in 2025. This is also dominating centre next
to Kolkata.
c) Major centre: Apart from Kolkata and Howrah in total 15 centers have been
visualized in the metropolis of each centre ranging between 0.5 million and 0.75 million.
Most of these centers are at present existing.
i) Dankuni
ii) Sonarpur
iii) Naihati-Bhatpara
iv) Barrackpur
v) Barangar- Kamrathi
vi) Dum-Dum- South Dum Dum
vii) Garia- Jadavpur
viii) Budge Budge- Mahesthala
ix) Kona- Unsai
x) Bally- Jagacha
xi) Sarampur
xii) Bhadreshwar- Champdani
xiii) Hoogly- Chinsurah
xiv) Bansberia
d) Trans Metro City System: Five existing centers within the metropolis have been
identified as 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.
Centers are as follows:-
i) Kalyani
ii) Barasat
iii) Salt Lake- Rajarhat
iv) Baruipur
v) Uluberia- Bagnan
Fig 8.1 Map of KMA
KMDA's role is multi disciplinary - it is the agency of city planning, it sculpts new areas
and townships, it develops physical infrastructure as well as provide basic services like
water, drainage, waste management. Besides these KMDA is also the Technical
Secretariat to Kolkata Metropolitan Planning Committee (KMPC), being the first of its
kind in India, constituted under the West Bengal Metropolitan Planning Committee Act,
1994.
Role of KMDA (Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority)
• City planning
• Sculpting new areas and townships in Kolkata
• Developing physical infrastructure like roads as well as providing basic services
like water supply, drainage, waste management and sanitation.
• KMDA is also the Technical Secretariat to Kolkata Metropolitan Planning
Committee (KMPC)
• Preparation of perspective and master plans and formulation and execution of
project proposals, besides carrying out land use and development control
functions.
• Health care and employment generation among urban poor
Development Perspective and a Four year Programme for KMD: 1976 (DPP)
This was prepared by KMDA. Center development strategy was suggested which
was a total departure from BDP. Kolkata-Howrah was considered to be the major center
with 26 partially self contained sub-centers of which 14 on the east bank and 12 on the
west bank of river Hoogly. A four year sector-wise investment plan with Lists of Projects
for implementation was also appended in the report.
Development Perspective Plan and Action Programme for KMD: 1987 (PSP)
Prepared by KMDA, indicated a Preferred Structure Plan Multi-Center
Development strategy, and was recognized as a strategy and levels and orders of
various centers were assigned depending upon the urban facilities available in them.
Kolkata and Howrah were identified as Metro Center and Metro Sub-center respectively,
along-with 7 Major Centers and 10 Minor Centers being distributed in both the banks of
the river.
A Perspective Plan for CMA: 2011- (Prepared in two Phases)
The Committee on Development Plans, Constituted by KMDA under provision of the
T&CP Act, 1979, Set up a Task Force in 1985 to prepare a Perspective Plan with 2011
as the planning horizon. Several Planning sub-groups were formed with resource
persons drawn from the University of Kolkata. Some professional papers were produced
by the Task Force. The state Planning Board made use of the above documents and
with the help of another set of working groups formed in the state Planning Board came
up with the final version of Perspective Plan for KMA: 2011 in 1991. The State Planning
Board also published three supplementary volumes in support of the perspective plan.
Some important features of the Plan are as follows:
• Delineation of three levels of Kolkata Metropolitan Regions
• Development of a hierarchical system of settlement pattern, in the Inner Metropolitan
Region within the orbit of 50 km radius from Rajbhawan including KMA, consisting of
district HQ, Sub- divisional HQ, Block HQ, Service Centers and Basic villages, and
• Development of 2 (two) million-plus cities --one at Uluberia - Bagnan area on the
west bank and the other at Barasat-Barrackpur area on the east bank with a view to
develop a strong urban system consisting Kalyani, Barrackpur, Barasat and Salt
Lake towns to create antimagnetic effect to the over congested Kolkata- Howrah
Metro Center, through construction of high speed transportation corridor part of
which are already available or under construction.
In 1847 the electoral system was introduced for the first time and the Justices
were replaced by a Board of 7 paid members. The Board was authorised to purchase
and hold property for improvement of the town, and to maintain roads and drains in
proper state. In 1852, this Board was replaced by a new one of four members, of whom
two were appointed by the Government and two were elected. Taxes were levied on
housing, lighting, horses and vehicular traffic.
In 1863 a new body was formed which elected its own Vice Chairman, and had a
regular Health Officer, Engineer, Surveyor, Tax Collector and Assessor.
It was during this time that the drainage and water supply were largely developed. The
New Market was established in 1874, and the Municipal Slaughter House in 1866.
Footpaths were made along with the main roads, and many other improvements carried
out. The house tax was raised to a maximum of ten percent.
The Calcutta Municipal Corporation (CMC) Act 1980 came into force on
January 1984. It extended the boundaries of Calcutta by including the Municipalities of
South Suburban, Garden Reach and Jadavpur within Calcutta. The number of wards of
the Corporation was raised from 100 to 141. The provisions relating to Bustees were
modified.
A major amendment was introduced in 1984 to remove certain procedural difficulties in
the matters of assessment and valuation of lands and buildings, recovery of taxes etc.
Most significant was the introduction of "Mayor-in-Council", with all the attributes of the
Cabinet form of government. This was a unique step in the area of Municipal
administration in India.
The objective of the new Act was to make the Corporation more efficient and effective.
The change in the Municipal Authority ensured that there would be three authorities:
a) The Corporation
c) The Mayor.
The number of members of the Calcutta Municipal Corporation was to be 141 which
elected Councillors from the 141 wards.
The Corporation as the apex body discharges its function through the Mayor-in-Council,
consisting of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and 10 other elected members of the CMC. The
Mayor and the Chairman would be elected by the members who would hold office for 5
years.
The Corporation would group the wards of the Corporation into Boroughs. Each
Borough should have a Committee consisting of the Councillors elected from the
respective wards of the Borough. The Councillors would elect one of them as the
chairperson of the said Borough. The Borough Committees should be subject to the
general supervision of the Mayor-in-Council, and look after functions such as water
supply, drainage, collection and removal of solid waste, disinfection and health
immunisation, bustee services, lighting, repairs of certain categories of roads,
maintenance of parks, drains and gullies.
The Act of 1980 thus formed the framework of the modern Corporation with the
Municipal Commissioner as the Principal Executive Officer subject to the control and
supervision of the Mayor as the Chief Executive Officer. He is assisted by a group of
Senior Civil Officers comprising Joint Municipal Commissioners, Deputy Municipal
Commissioners, Chief Engineers, Controller of Municipal Finance and Accounts, Chief
Municipal Auditor and Municipal Secretary.
Subsequent to the renaming of the city in 2001, the Corporation is now known as the
Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC).
8.5.2 Howrah Municipal Corporation
8.5.2.1 Evolution
The Howrah Municipality was formed in 1862. The municipal status changed and the
Howrah Municipal Corporation derived its present form in 1984 with the enactment of
The Howrah Municipal Corporation Act in 1980.
Following are the important Acts and Rules that forms the legislative framework for
operations of HMC
The Howrah Municipal Corporation Act, 1980, and subsequent amendments till
a)
date
b) The Howrah Municipal Corporation (Accounts) Rules, 1989
c) The Howrah Municipal Building Rules, 1991
d) The Howrah Municipal Corporation (Revenue) Regulations, 1996
e) West Bengal Valuation Board Act, 1978
f) The West Bengal Valuation Board (Valuation of Land and Buildings) Rules,
1984
g) MIC – Conduct of Business Regulations
h) Conduct of Business of the Borough Committees Regulations, 1996
Geographical area - 51.74 sq. kms
Total population of approximately - 10 lakhs (Census 2001).
Population density is 19,496 persons/sq km. HMC is divided into 5 boroughs and 50
wards, each representing an Election Ward. Each Borough consists of 10 wards.
Table No. 8.1 Details of Boroughs
I 1 to 9, 11 1,86,879 3,168
The main Authority for carrying out the provisions of the Act is Mayor and Mayor-in-
Council. The Mayor is elected by the fifty Councillors. The Mayor-in-Council (MIC)
consists of the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and five other elected Councillors. The Deputy
Mayor and five Councillors are nominated by the Mayor from amongst the elected
Councillors. The Mayor also assigns a portfolio of functions/ departments to each
member of MIC
Fig No. 8.2 Executive Structure of HMC
Corporation
Admin
General
Accounts
Audit
Building
Literacy
Total
Law
Workshop
Health
Public
Death
Birth/
n
Registratio
m
Crematoriu
ion
Administrat
Relation
Public
MIC 2
Water Supply
Bustee
License
Poverty
Own Property Eradication
Survey Motor Vehicle Conservancy Lighting
Assessment
Planning Record Electricity
Collection
Market Stores
Roads Garden & Park
Drainage
5 Sectors
23 Wards
68 Blocks
The area of the Municipality is divided into 5 sectors. Out of these sectors, Sector V is
earmarked for IT industries.
8.6 Urban Governance in Municipal Bodies
8.6.1 Urban Governance
Urban life in India has undergone dramatic change in the last three/ four decades
with substantial changes. With the changing urban demographic scenario, the role of
the urban local bodies has assumed a new dimension. Through a genuine partnership
in planning and executing the improvement, there seems to be a greater possibility of
minimizing the disruptive and traumatic effects of changes and anticipated consequence
of planed social change.
A system of governance is ‗good‘ when all the stake holders – the government,
the bureaucracy, the business enterprises and the society – collaborate altogether to
achieve certain economic and social goals. Such collaboration has to be built on the
strengths of each stakeholder – the efficient use of capital by the private sector, the
concern for effectiveness in delivering services to the community sector and the macro
prospective government.
With the increasing rise in population in the cities are facing a rapid rise in
demand for urban services. If the total management, in the broad sense of the term, is
kept at the hands of the local government without active participation from the civil
society, the functioning may not reach the desired levels of efficiency.
In the Third World Countries and especially in India municipal governance are being
alienated from the civil society and steadily loosing the faith and confidence of the local
people. To the general public most municipal bodies are considered ineffective and
considered that they are only to pursue only the interest of a certain section of the
society. The general public being unhappy with the traditional role of government feel
the need for a complete rethinking of the mode of governance rather than negating the
government itself. The concept of good governance has assumed significance in recent
times at it involves the needs and aspiration of the people. The World Bank has
identified three distinct aspects of governance:
Benefits Disadvantages
Improve efficiency of service provision May not help the poorest segments of
(leakage reduction, energy savings, society directly
collections)
9. Above
2.75 2.75 1.75 2.50
24.00
Width of means
S. no of access (in Permissible Height
meters)
Above 3.50 to
2. 9.50
5.00
Above 5.00 to
3. 11.50
7.00
Above 7.00 to
4. 14.50
10.00
Above 10.00 to
5. 18.00
15.00
Residential building
Width of Means of Access (in meters)
Commercial zone, if any Other zone
More than 7 meters but not more than 10 meters 2.50 2.75
Above 8.0 up to
1.2 1.2 1.2 3.0
11.0
Above 11.0 up
1.5 1.5 2.5 4.0
to 14.5
Above 14.5 up
3.5 3.5 3.5 5.0
to 18.0
Above 18.0 up
5.0 5.0 5.0 7.0
to 24.0
Above 24.0 up
6.0 6.5 6.5 9.0
to 36.0
Above 36.0 up
8.0 8.0 8.0 10.0
to 60.0
15% of the
Above 60.0 up 15% of the height of
10.0 height of the 12.0
to 80.0 the building
building
15% of the
15% of the height of
Above 80.0 12.0 height of the 14.0
the building
building
Source: The Kolkata Municipal Corporation Building Rules, 1990
Provisions for buildings constructed under Government approved Schemes
a) Size of a plot for a building – The minimum size of plot shall not be less than 30
sq mt and the maximum size of the plot shall not be less than 65 sq mt.
b) Means of Access – it should not be less than 1.2 meters and where ever building
height exceeding 8.0 meter it should not be less than 3.0 meters.
c) Ground Coverage – 75 % of the area of the plot
d) Maximum Height – Shall not be more than 10 meters
e) Front Open Space – 9.8 meter
S. Maximum permissible
Category of Plot
no covered area
4. Buiding specified in sub- rule (2) of rule 93 60% of the site area
Table 8.13 Maximum number of flat per storey Table 8.14 Maximum number of floor
2K (130
One flat per Storey
sq m)
2K G plus 1
5K G plus 2
7K G plus 3
8K G plus 4
9K G plus 4
10K G plus 7
2K 1.25
3K 1.25
4K 1.75
5K 1.75
6K 2.10
7K 2.10
8K 2.25
9K 2.25
10K 3.20
Table 8.16 Obligatory open spaces for various categories of residential buildings
Category Front (fixed) Narrower side Wide side (Min.) Back (Min.)
of plot (in meter) (min.) (in meter) (in meter) (in meter)
2k 1.00 0.90 2.50 2.00
Maximum permissible ground coverage for Collate and Howrah are almost the
same whereas in Salt Lake it has been considerably reduced.
Special category of IT sector has been introduced in Salt Lake, which is absent in
K.M.C. and Howrah Municipal Bye Laws.
As the plot size increases open spaces around the building also increases in
Howrah and Rajarhat.
Commercial 4.6
Institutional 7.1
Transportation 23
Total 100
Source: Bidhanagar Municipality, Salt Lake, Kolkata