“Uttar Pradesh has approved GIS-based master plans for 56 of its 59 cities under the AMRUT scheme, aiming for sustainable urban growth. These plans leverage geospatial data for better land use, infrastructure, and connectivity. Kanpur, Rampur, and Ghaziabad await approval, with final reviews scheduled soon. The initiative promises enhanced urban planning and transparency.”
Uttar Pradesh Embraces GIS Technology for Urban Revamp
The Uttar Pradesh government has greenlit geographic information system (GIS)-based master plans for 56 out of 59 cities, marking a significant step toward modernizing urban development under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT). These plans utilize advanced geospatial technology to create digital, geo-referenced base maps and land-use frameworks, ensuring sustainable and organized growth across the state’s urban centers.
The approved master plans cover cities under the AMRUT scheme, which focuses on improving infrastructure like water supply, sewage networks, and transportation. By integrating GIS technology, the plans provide detailed insights into spatial data, enabling urban planners to analyze development strategies, transportation nodes, and regional connectivity. A senior official from the state’s housing department explained that GIS-based planning allows for a nuanced understanding of a city’s physiography, linkages, and growth potential, fostering data-driven decision-making.
The cities of Kanpur, Rampur, and Ghaziabad are yet to receive approval, with final reviews for Kanpur and Ghaziabad slated within the next two weeks. Rampur’s master plan is expected to follow shortly after. The delay in these approvals stems from an expanded scope of work for consultants, who were tasked with incorporating additional elements like city logistics plans, transit-oriented zones, green and blue corridors, and mobility plans into the GIS framework. This broader approach, while causing minor delays, aims to create comprehensive blueprints for long-term urban sustainability.
To secure central government funding under AMRUT, GIS-based master plans are mandatory. The initiative began in 2015, with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs allocating ₹515 crore to develop such plans for 500 cities nationwide. In Uttar Pradesh, 51 cities had their GIS-based plans in place by early 2024, with 28 under final scrutiny and 23 in the drafting stage. The recent approval of 56 cities reflects significant progress, positioning Uttar Pradesh as a leader in tech-driven urban governance.
The GIS-based approach offers multiple benefits. It provides a layered mapping system, detailing roads, transportation facilities, green belts, and housing units. This transparency allows citizens and stakeholders to access critical land-use information online, reducing the need for physical visits to government offices. For instance, Jaipur’s GIS-based Master Plan 2025, a model for other cities, has digitized land-use data, making it accessible to residents and real estate developers alike. Uttar Pradesh aims to replicate this model, ensuring efficient urban management and informed decision-making.
The master plans are designed with a 20-year horizon, addressing sector-specific challenges such as infrastructure, housing, transportation, and environmental sustainability. In cities like Ghaziabad, the GIS-based Master Plan 2031 will include detailed data on every housing unit, enhancing transparency and aiding property-related decisions. The use of satellite imagery and on-ground surveys ensures accuracy, with consultants like DDF Consultants Pvt Ltd collaborating with agencies like the National Remote Sensing Agency for precise mapping.
This initiative aligns with broader national goals under AMRUT 2.0, which now includes Class-II towns with populations under 1 lakh. Nationwide, 675 such towns are set to receive GIS-based master plans with a ₹631 crore allocation. Uttar Pradesh’s progress sets a precedent for other states, demonstrating how technology can address urban challenges like haphazard growth and infrastructure deficits. As the state finalizes plans for its remaining cities, the focus remains on creating vibrant, sustainable urban ecosystems for the future.
Disclaimer: This article is based on recent news reports and official statements from government sources, including the Uttar Pradesh housing department and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. Information has been sourced from reputable publications like The Times of India, Hindustan Times, and The Hindu. While every effort has been made to ensure accuracy, readers are advised to verify details with official government announcements for the latest updates.