A drone survey commenced in Vikarabad on Thursday, marking a significant step in creating a comprehensive digital master plan for the municipality. Vikarabad has been selected as one of 20 municipalities in Telangana with populations exceeding 50,000 to develop a Geographical Information System (GIS)-based master plan under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0, an initiative by the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, partially funded by the Central Government.
This pioneering drone survey is being conducted collaboratively by Vikarabad district authorities and officials from the Survey of India, establishing Vikarabad as the first municipality to implement this advanced technology for urban planning among its peers. The other municipalities involved in this initiative include Jangaon, Kagaznagar, Bodhan, Gadwal, and several others, all seeking to enhance their urban infrastructure through similar digital master plans. The primary objective of this survey is to gather precise data that will inform the development of critical infrastructure, including roads, housing, drainage systems, water pipelines, cell towers, public toilets, reservoirs, markets, and cremation or burial grounds. As collector Prateek Jain stated during a recent meeting, the master plan aims to cater to the needs of Vikarabad for the next 30 to 40 years, emphasising the importance of sustainable urban planning that accommodates growth while addressing the current demands of residents.
The implementation of a digital master plan in Vikarabad promises to transform urban development and enhance residents’ quality of life. By leveraging cutting-edge technology, this initiative aims to improve governance and resource management, effectively addressing urban sprawl and inadequate infrastructure. A GIS-based approach enables comprehensive analysis of land use and resource allocation, ensuring future developments are environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive. This strategy is vital for mitigating climate change challenges like flooding and water scarcity through resilient designs.
Importantly, this initiative offers hope for Vikarabad’s residents, representing a vision of a well-planned, modern city that caters to their needs while prioritizing environmental preservation. It embodies the idea that urban spaces should be thoughtfully designed to improve the lives of those who inhabit them, fostering a sustainable and vibrant community for the future.