ROLE OF

DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
LOCAL BODIES &
TOWN PLANNING DEPARTMENT

S9-TOWN PLANNING
FUNCTIONS OF THE URBAN LOCAL BODIES (ULBS)

The 74th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA)I incorporated provisions for devolution of certain
powers and functions to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). Section 243W of the 74th CAA aimed at
devolving the responsibility for local economic development and social justice. The Twelfth Schedule of
the Constitution lists the specific functions under economic and social development that are best
devolved to ULBs.

Given the importance of functions and responsibilities entrusted to the local self-governments, the issues
relating institutional structure of ULBs gain tremendous significance. These structures are not uniform
across states or even metropolitan (or district) areas, and are plagued with political and administrative
problems. These shortcomings make the successful execution of devolved functions a challenging task
for the local bodies.

Functions listed in the Twelfth Schedule of the Constitution and the ability of ULBs to
carry out these functions successfully.

I. Urban planning including town planning

II. Regulation of land-use and construction of buildings: Typically the above two
functions fall under the purview of the development authority of the city (e.g. Delhi
Development Authority (DDA), Bangalore Development Authority (BDA). However, the
responsibilities are sometimes shared with multiple authorities (i.e. industrial
development authorities, regional development authorities) within a metropolitan region.
This multiplicity of authorities and lack of coordination among them make decision
making and implementation of public infrastructure and services extremely difficult.
III. Planning for economic and social development: The definition and scope of this
function is fairly wide, open ended and to an extent, unwieldy. Social and economic
development programmes require sound integrated planning which requires resources and
expertise which the most of the ULBs seem not to have endowed with. The HPEC Report on
Indian Urban Infrastructure and Services has clearly stressed the need of the appropriate
capacity building at local bodies’ level

IV. Roads and bridges: This function is typically shared by multiple bodies- city
development authorities, municipalities and the public works departments (PWDs). However,
an integrated planning is essential to ensure that city roads and urban building/housing plans
are properly aligned. The lack of coordination among multiple authorities involved often
makes it difficult to formulate and implement an integrated plan.

V. Water supply for domestic, industrial and commercial purposes: This is a function that
is most appropriately by ULBs. The current state of urban water supply is quite dismal with
billing and collection of only 20% of supplied water and Operations &Maintenance cost
recovery of 30 – 35%. Also, the connection coverage in urban areas is low (65%) as
compared to other developing countries (91% in China, 86% in SA and 80% in Brazil).
Again, in some states the urban service delivery is the responsibility of parastatals (state
government’s statutory agencies) that are not answerable to ULBs and only to state
governments. ULBs, answerable to their smaller jurisdiction, have little control on these
parastatals that operate on a larger scale; this complicates incentive structures, leading to
poor outcomes.
VI. Public health, sanitation conservancy and solid waste management: Public health,
contrary to its significance for social and economic development of the country, is not
supported by a consistent institutional structure (each state has a different structure) and
policy framework (the last two National Health Policies were made in 1983 and 2002) at
the centre or state level. It is highly program driven with the centre government responsible
for funding and planning, and state government for implementation. Health care is largely
financed by private pockets. As of 2001-02, the share in health financing of the local
governments, state and central government was 2.2%, 14.4% and 7.2%II. With dwindling
finances of ULBs and the extent of intervention required, it is not clear that this is a
mandate that ULBs are well equipped to handle.

Solid waste management comprises of various steps- collection, segregation, transportation,

disposal and recycling. These activities are normally carried out by different bodies.
Though the current status of solid waste management is dismal (with less than 40%
disposal and less than 1% recycling), it accounts for the 25-50% of ULB’s total
expenditureIII, and is also a function that is best performed by ULBs.

VII. Slum improvement and up-gradation: Typically falls under the purview of the
housing boards and the city development authority. However, similar to the social and
economic development functions, it is a challenging task and little exists in terms of a
policy framework or planning.
VIII. Urban poverty alleviation: Such a broad mandate with the level of coordination
and extent of intervention required again bring to question whether ULBs are the
appropriate level of government to discharge this responsibility.
Other functions listed in the Twelfth Schedule are mentioned below. The devolution of
some of these functions (e.g. fire services, providing urban amenities, burial & cremation
grounds etc) to ULBs is justified as these functions may be best performed by local
governments. However, some functions pertaining to social and economic development
are either very wide in scope or there is little policy framework to guide ULBs to plan
and execute them.

IX. Fire services

X. Urban forestry, protection of the environment and promotion of ecological aspects

XI. Safeguarding the interests of weaker sections of society, including the

handicapped and mentally retarded.

XII. Provision of urban amenities and facilities such as parks, gardens, playgrounds

XIII. Promotion of cultural, educational and aesthetic aspects.

XIV. Burials and burial grounds; cremations, cremation grounds and electric
crematoriums.
XV. Cattle pounds; prevention of cruelty to animals.

XVI. Vital statistics including registration of births and deaths.

XVII. Public amenities including street lighting, parking lots, bus stops and public
conveniences.

XVIII. Regulation of slaughter houses and tanneries.

To conclude, the devolution of functions to the local bodies could meet its intended
end only with a commensurate devolution of powers, political freedom and revenues
by the state governments. Further, without the administrative, institutional and
financial reforms, and capacity building, the local-governments may not be able to
execute their functions successfully.
—
TOWN PLANNING DEPARTMENT
TPCO is an apex organization in the field of urban and regional planning and development. It
provides knowledge, support and technical advice and assistance to various state governments,
Ministry of Urban Development, development authorities, ULBs and other agencies. It also provides
training, capacity building, appraisal and monitoring of central sector projects.

The main aim of the department is to secure well-balanced and planned development of the major
urban centers of the State as well as small and medium towns. The department is the main technical
wing of the State Government for urban planning. The Town Planning and Valuation Department
works under the Urban Development and Urban Housing Department of Government with Chief
Town Planner as head of the Department and having its jurisdiction covering whole of the State. Its
main functions include -

•Advocate and Promote Planning Activities in the State.

•Supervision and Monitoring of the Regional as well as
Branch offices of the department.
•Technical support to Appropriate Authorities in
preparation of Development Plans and TP Schemes.
•Advise to the State Government on technical and legal
matters.
•Advise on the valuation of land, where Government
interest is involved.
•To evolve Urban and Regional standards and
guidelines.
•Provide guidance for implementation of urban
development programmes.
TOWN PLANNING DEPARTMENT – ORGANISATION STRUCTURE
TOWN & COUNTRY PLANNING DEPARTMENT –FUNCTIONS
The main Functions of Town & Country Planning Department are mentioned below:-
• To Provide The Technical Advice To The State Government On Matters Related To Housing
And Urban Planning Department
• To Assist The Government In Formulation Of Policies Related Of Housing And Urban
Planning Department.
• To Prepare Building Bye Laws, Compounding Byelaws And Zoning Regulations As Well As
Proposals For Their Amendment Under The Relevant Acts As Per The Directions Of The
Government.
• To Provide Technical Advice To The Development Authorities, Special Area Development
Authorities, Controlling Authorities, Industrial Area Development Authorities, Express
Industrial Development Authorities And UP Housing And Development Board On Matters
To Pertaining To Housing And Urban Planning.
• To Prepare Master Plans / Zonal Development Plans Or Development Areas, Special
Development Areas And Regulated Areas.
• To Prepare Base Maps Through Physical Survey For Mater Plans / Zonal Development Plans
And Layout Plans After Charging The Prescribed Fee From The Concern Agencies.
• To Prepare Sub-Regional Plans For UP Sub Region Under The National Capital Region NCR
And To Assist In The Implementation / Monitoring Of Schemes Of NCR Region.
• To Carryout Project Formulation Appraisal And Approval Of Projects Estimates And
Extension Of Monitoring Of Centrally Sponsored Schemes For IDSMT And Provided
Technical Guidance To Urban Local Bodies In The Implementation Of The Schemes.
• To Prepare A Proposal For Declaration / Amendment Of Development Areas / Special
Development Areas And Regulated Areas.
• To Provide A Technical Advice To Development Authorities, Urban Local Bodies For
Planning And Improvement Of Traffic And Transportation System.
DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
The Development Authorities in India have played a prominent role in developing the major cities of India
and the Special Economic Zones as well. Development authorities in India have revived the country through
efficient planning and judicious utilization of resource.

•The focus of the development authorities in India has been on urban development and residential projects
like housing and urban restructuring. This has ultimately benefited local people, including businessmen and
facilitated advancement and betterment of the society as a whole.
Development authorities have been putting their best efforts in uplifting lower and middle income groups
by providing accommodation and residential facilities to them. As an outcome of recent developments,
many cities in India have undergone transformation and have brought in Foreign Direct Investments as well.

Some of the recent developments in major Indian cities are given below:

Chennai: Projects such as Chennai Mufussil Bus Terminal (Koyambedu), Chennai Contract Carriage Bus Terminus,
CMDA Tower I, and CMDA Tower II are a few major ones. Some of the programs include Local Body Assistance
program and Community based Environmental development program.
Bangalore: Major road projects like Hebbal flyover, Outer ring road flyover, Grade Separator (Bangalore Dairy Circle),
Benniganahalli flyovers, tertiary treatment plant etc. Apart from advanced city life and facilities, there has been
development of lakes, tree parks, horticulture.
Delhi: Housing developments, restructuring of old cities, horticulture etc.
Kolkata: Industrial area growth, increase in retail markets, IT sector boom, new townships, etc. There has been
improvement in waste, water, and drainage management. Use of schemes such as Land Use Maps and Registers
(LUMR), and Land Use Development Control Plans (LUDCP).
Ghaziabad: Infrastructural developments have taken place with regard to transport, flyover, water supply, drainage,
and electricity. Ghaziabad is now a city which offers good education, low cost of living, quality medical and
healthcare facilities, wide residential range, and a secure environment.Housing Development Authorities in India
have been allotting sites for public utilities, managing commercial and residential complexes, and developing
satellite towns which has contributed to a great extent to the organized growth in India.
The major undertaking of urban Development Authority includes the following:

1.Infrastructural development of region by construction of flyovers, bridges, parking

places.
2.Development of commercial projects and residential schemes, etc.
3.Development of basic amenities like community centres, parks, ring roads.
4.Development and rehabilitation of kacchi bastis etc.
5.Preparation and implementation of master plan.
6.Preparation and implementation of guidelines for colonisation.
7.Environmental development by planning and implementing roadside plantations and
by developing eco-friendly schemes.
8.Development of rural area around Jaipur.
9.Development of transport facilities like Mass Rapid
Transport System (MRTS), Transport Nagar, and major sector roads.
While the basic roles of these bodies are defined, there remain
some issues that are an impediment to the objective of
development. Some of these are as follows:

•The area of work of the aforesaid bodies is often overlapping. Consequently, there is a
tendency to shift onus and shirk responsibility that in turn leads to haphazard and delayed
implementation, and wastage of resources.
•The Coordination of all the agencies involved in a particular development initiative is an
onerous task for the systemic lack of an efficient and effective inter-organization
communication channel. Decision making at times becomes difficult and the planning may
turn out to be contradictory.
•In the changing environment of urban development that promotes public-private
partnership models, local bodies and other public agencies need to be updated to play the
role of catalysts in the process of development.
•In many Indian cities, the development authorities also don the mantle of the planner. In a
bid to meet physical development targets, planning concerns are often neglected.

In conclusion, the need of the hour is an efficient apex body that exercises financial control,
co-ordinates the various urban development authorities and monitors the progress of
development work carried out by such authorities, thereby minimizing conflict of plans.
REFERENCE
I – Link to the 74th CAA-
http://indiacode.nic.in/coiweb/amend/amend74
.htm
II – Financing and Delivery of Health Care
services in India, MOHFW, 2005
III – HPEC Report on Urban Infrastructure,
2011

https://www.realtymyths.com/role-various-
authorities-urban-development/

http://uptownplanning.gov.in/page/en/role--functions-
activities

https://udd.gujarat.gov.in/ctp.php