The project initiated by the GHMC years ago, to assign unique identification numbers for all properties in place of existing house numbers, has not inched forward even after several failed starts, writes Ujwal Bommakanti
What is digital door numbering?
The idea behind Unique Smart Addressing Solutions for Urban Dwellings, publicised as digital door numbering, is to replace the exisiting numbering — last done in 1986— with a uniform address system using geo-spatial technology. It helps in providing accurate Google maps navigation and also assists civic body to weed out illegal door numbers, to efficiently monitor property tax arrears and in providing facilities.
When was the idea mooted?
Initially mooted first in 2007 after formation of Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC). Pilot projects were also launched in areas such as Baghlingampally , Domalguda and Gaganmahal areas. Most recently, a pilot project was completed in Nizampet municipality limits as well. It was initially meant to be restricted to the GHMC limits but later, the government decided to expand it across the state.
Why the present delay?
According to town planning officials, post-bifurcation, the idea was proposed again in 2017 when the then mayor mayor Bonthu Rammohan announced that tenders would be called upon to finalise the project.
However, it had failed to evoke any response from bidders, hence the project was shelved. Later, the 2018 elections, followed by 2020 GHMC elections kept the project on the backburner. Town planning officials note that the government is now working out the modalities such as numbering system format, selecting a vendor and most importantly a uniform policy from the state government.
Even as the municipal administration minister KT Rama Rao has made the digital door numbering as one among the top 10 targets, during the last Asse mbly session in March, to be completed by the end of the financial year, the proposal has been long-pending and gathering dust due to several reasons for more than a decade.
What is the current status?
In 2019, the state government formed a committee consisting of Commissioner and Director of Municipal Administration (CDMA), GHMC and HMDA Commissioners and other senior officers to work out the modalities.
The municipal administration department recently reviewed presentations given by five different vendors including Google, which provided different approaches. On the sidelines, the government is yet to formulate a uniform policy for digital door numbering across the entire state.
“The presentations were interesting. On e suggested a double numbering system — one to identify the house locally and the other one for digital records. We want to ensure that the number doesn’t become too long but a t the same time is easily identifiable,” a senior town planning official told TOI.
Officials are awaiting the municipal administration’s return to finalise the tenders in the next two months before rolling out to the entire state.
