A Unique Consultation on
Prospects for Raichur City Development
15
May 2002, Raichur
Organised
As Part Of
COMMUNITY ACCESS Project
An
Initiative of Raichur City Municipal Council and Environment Support Group
A Unique Consultation on
Prospects for Raichur City Development
An
Initiative of Raichur City Municipal Council and Environment Support Group
|
Community Access: A Unique
Consultation |
1 |
|
Preparing for the Consultation |
3 |
|
Report of the Consultation |
4 |
|
Structure of the Consultation |
6 |
|
Theme One: Public Health, Civic
Amenities, Water and Sanitation |
7 |
|
Theme Two: Human Settlements And
Environment |
11 |
|
Theme Three: Economic And Social Development, Trade And
Industry |
|
|
Theme Four: Urban Planning, Land Use And Transport |
16 |
|
Theme Five: Communal Harmony And Public
Security |
23 |
Concluding Remarks by Sri. G.
Kumar Naik, Deputy Commissioner of Raichur
|
26 |
|
Awareness meets Entertainment |
27 |
|
List of Addresses |
28 |
|
List of Participants |
29 |
The 15th
of May 2002 was a unique day for the city of Raichur. For the first time, all
the key actors involved with the development and planning of the city met on a
common platform and discussed major issues concerning the urban planning and
development of the city. Entitled COMMUNITY ACCESS, this workshop was a result
of the combined efforts of the Raichur City Municipal Council, the office of
Deputy Commissioner of Raichur District, and Environment Support Group (ESG), a
non-profit, non-governmental organization based in Bangalore. ESG enabled this
process in developing concepts for discussion, helping identification of
potential participants and planning the process of this unique consultation.
This
consultation also marked the beginning of a comprehensive study of Raichur city
development and planning dynamics, an ESG initiative with funding from the
National Foundation for India and GTZ-German Technical Cooperation. In this
regard, the consultation was a process of identifying major issues public
concern and towards developing perspectives for the study of Raichur’s
long-term planned social, economic and environmentally sensitive
development. This study would once more
form the basis of similar consultation towards the end of the year, and enable
Raichur in securing a development grant for its Community Access Project under
the unique Asia Urbs Programme of the European Commission.
It
would be appropriate to mention here that Raichur qualified for a Project with
Study for the Community Access project under the Asia Urbs Programme of the
European Community (EC) during 2000-2001.
Due to the prevailing drought, not much could be achieved during this
period. Raichur now qualifies for a
Development Grant under Asia Urbs, and the bid would have to be submitted by
September 2002. This bid would require
partnership with two local governments from the European Union as per Asia Urbs
grant specifications. A full grant
would involve contribution from EC to the project of upto 5 million Euros, with
another 220,000 Euros to be supported by partners in cash or kind. The Consultation offers a unique opportunity
of ensuring that the Community Access Project proposed to Asia Urbs would
reflect the genuine concerns of the local population, and identify actions that
would result in tangible benefits.
There were many reasons why this
Consultation can be considered as unique, and a few are listed here.
ESG
worked with the City Municipal Council, Raichur in bringing together the
various actors and ensuring the consultation’s remarkable success. In summary,
the consultation has set the stage for building bridges with multiple
stakeholders and organizations in developing citywide programmes that have a
higher probability of benefiting the people directly.
Sri Syed Yasin, MLA
from Raichur, lighting the ceremonial lamp to inaugurate the Consultation
Raichur City
Municipal Council and ESG were guided in the 15 May Consultation by a
preliminary meeting held in the Deputy Commissioner's office on 7th May, 2002.
Mr. G. Kumar Naik, Deputy Commissioner of Raichur District, Sri Syed Yasin, MLA
and Minister Incharge of Raichur, Sri M. Eeranna, Vice President, Raichur City
Municipal Council, several City Municipal Councilors, Representatives of local
NGOs and Community groups and Members of ESG were present. This process of
prior consultation helped develop wider support for the May 15th Consultation
and clearly identified the need for citywide initiatives to fully explore the
scope of Raichur City Council fulfilling its obligations per the list of items
included in the 12th Schedule of the Constitution for urban local governments.
It also developed a focus for small cities to be more active in developing
wider contacts both regionally and globally, and endorsed Raichur's involvement
in the Asia Urbs Programme as a major initiative.
Participants gathered at the auditorium of the
Indian Medical Association (IMA), the venue for the consultation
…we should have a transformer right here in
Raichur. We have to suffer the rise in temperature, our growth center is
stagnating due to lack of power, but someone else benefits from the power
plant!
- Dr. I.A. Siddiqui, Lecturer in Economics,
discussion group 3
Report of
the Consultation
The COMMUNITY
ACCESS Consultation held on 15 May was held from 9:30 AM to 3 PM at the Indian
Medical Association (IMA) in Raichur. The Consultation began with a symbolic
lighting of the lamp by Sri. Syed Yasin, MLA and Minister Incharge of Raichur;
Sri G. Kumar Naik, Deputy Commissioner of Raichur; Sri. Vasant Kumar, Chairman
of Raichur Development Authority; Smt. Mouneswari, President of the City
Council and Sri. Eeranna, Vice-President of the Raichur City Council. Sri.
Eeranna welcomed the gathering.
Setting the
tone for the consultation, Sri. Vasant Kumar said that it was not enough to say
“...we have dug a few bore wells, or cleaned a slum, improved public health and
have constructed a few houses.” For it is the overall development of Raichur
that has to be holistically viewed, keeping in view the dynamics between
economic, social and political conditions.
Delivering the
keynote address, Sri Syed Yasin began with a submission: that the large number
and gravity of the problems afflicting Raichur was really due to neglect by
politicians over time. He identified
himself with the cause of methodically working through over a hundred issues of
concerns that he had personally identified and listed out some of the major
initiatives he had taken in this regard. He said that the prime needs of
Raichur city are slum improvement, securing funds for constructing the
underground drainage system, improving the public health care systems and
developing solid waste management strategies. Exhorting participants to express
their ideas and opinions in a '...unprejudiced manner', he emphasized that for
Raichur's growth his leadership would rely on the support of the public at
large in acting on the problems. Giving instance of how this was possible, he
identified his efforts in making functional the OPEC funded super-specialty
hospital that was lying unused for several years now despite crores or Rupees
investment. Similarly, the Civil Hospital facilities that were highly
neglected, was sanctioned funds for improvement with a corollary increase in
the bed-strength. In this manner he
listed out various initiatives that are underway such as developing drinking
water supply, road development, and several other public work projects.
I wonder, how we politicians could leave so many problems in Raichur. We
politicians are responsible for this…including me.
- Sri. Syed Yasin, MLA and minister In Charge, Raichur
In particular
discussing the new water intake systems being developed for Raichur city, he
raised serious concerns over the very shortsighted view of various experts
involved in the Karnataka Urban Water Supply and Drainage Board and the
Karnataka Pollution Control Board in allowing the intake point close to where
fly ash from Raichur Power Plant is discharged into the Krishna River. Various
Raichur citizens were involved in ensuring this major mistake was rectified.
How this
process of consultation would enable Raichur to focus better its developmental
goals was the subject of intervention of Sri. Leo Saldanha, Coordinator of
Environment Support Group. Emphasising the growing need for improving urban
planning and management systems in small and medium cities, he identified that
the process of urbanisation in Karnataka is '... so fast that very soon a
substantial proportion of the urban population will be living in small and
medium towns...and people will not settle only in big cities like Bangalore or Mysore.'
Recalling that State and Central governments had constantly interfered with the
functioning of municipalities and resorted to appropriating powers of local
governance often on political considerations, he stressed that it was only
following the constitutional status accorded to municipal bodies per the
Nagarpalika Act, that there is a possibility of consistent action by local
bodies. However, the adverse impacts of
the break in continuity of administrative experience prior to this legislation,
afflicts local bodies even today.
Consequently, city managers find it difficult to tackle the increasingly
complex urban problems. This experience can be regained only by establishing a
system of urban planning based on creative consultation and inter-sectoral
partnerships relying on local citizenry experience and partnership. The purpose
of the consultation was to initiate such a process of partnership building.
In this manner
broad themes and issues were identified for the Consultation process.
…very soon a substantial portion of the urban
population will be living in small and medium towns…as the people will not
settle only in big cities like Bangalore or Mysore.
- Leo Saldanha, Coordinator, ESG
The
number of the slums in Raichur is growing as a result of migrants moving into
the city in search of work. Politicians and Councilors had caused very little
change despite several assurances of development.
- Smt. Mahboob Jaan
Sri. G. Kumar Naik, Deputy Commissioner of
Raichur, addressing the gathering.
Structure
of the Consultation
Participants in the Consultation included senior functionaries from all
departments involved in civic affairs, a majority of the councilors, former
legislators and councilors, representatives of corporate organizations, NGOs
and Community Based Organisations, academicians and senior officials of Raichur
Council. MLA Sri. Syed Yasin, Deputy
Commissioner Sri. Kumar Naik, Superintendent of Police Sri. Arun Chakravarthy,
Council President Smt. Mouneshwari, Council Vice President Sri. Eeranna and
Raichur Development Authority Chairman Sri Vasant Kumar actively participated
in the discussions, demonstrating the high importance they provided this unique
Consultation.
The
Consultation followed a process of Group Discussions on five broad themes, and
a plenary session where the Rapporteurs articulated key recommendations and
concerns that were discussed in the groups.
The themes discussed were
§
Civic Amenities
§
Human Settlements And Environment
§
Economic And Social Development, Trade
And Industry
§
Urban Planning, Land Use And Transport
§
Communal Harmony And Public Security
Following over
two hours of intense discussions reflecting Raichur's developmental needs,
administrative goals, concerns of community, and future planning, each group
came up with a set of broad recommendations and issues of major concern. In the following section of the report, the
group discussions are summarized along with a listing of recommendations made
and action strategies proposed.
Participants of Discussion Group 2 (Human
Settlements and Environment) engaging in a thought provoking discussion
Group One
Theme:
Public Health, Civic Amenities, Water And Sanitation
Rapporteur: Sri. Aiyyappa Tukkai
Facilitator
from ESG: Sri. Leo Saldanha
Facilitator’s
Summarisation:
Participation
in this group involved the Raichur MLA, Deputy Commissioner, President and Vice
President of the Raichur City Council and Mr. Nagappa, former MLA who is highly
respected, amongst others. The
deliberations were detailed, and Mr. Nagappa, a long time resident of Raichur
and seasoned politician, spiced this discussion with quite a few historical
details of issues and problems.
There was clear
agreement on the pressing issues of concern:
the lack of an underground drainage system was creating public health
emergencies in neighborhoods and polluting surrounding water bodies and the
moat of the Raichur Fort. Solid waste
management was a matter of grave concern.
There was considerable need to improve public health systems, and recent
initiatives to develop public hospitals seemed a logical beginning. Roads required maintenance, but the
conditions seemed better than in the past.
Water shortage, which was the most significant problem confronting
Raichur, was shortly to be resolved with the implementation of new
schemes. In this manner the discussion
in agreement listed quite a few areas of concern, even as there were areas of
disagreement.
Sri. Aiyyappa Tukkai, Rapporteur of Group One,
listing out the main points highlighted during the group discussion. Seated
on the dais from the left – Sri. Vasant Kumar, Chairman of Raichur
development Authority, Sri. G. Kumar Naik, Deputy Commissioner of Raichur,
Sri. Syed Yasin, MLA and Minister In Charge of Raichur, Smt. Mouneshwari,
President of Raichur City Council, Sri. Arun Chakravarthy, Superintendent
of Police and Sri. M. Eeranna, President of Raichur City Council
For instance
the District Health Officer of Raichur was of the opinion that the rate of
Malaria and Japanese Encephalitis instances in Raichur was a matter of grave
concern. Dr. Nasir, Health Officer of
Raichur Council, however, contested this view and claimed that the rates were
well within the average. In such
differing views, the group saw the need for more exhaustive investigation. For, as the District Health Officer
explained, even a few cases of Japanese Encephalitis should be considered a
major public health concern. The
breeding of pigs was considered a major reason for the incidence of this
dreaded disease. Dr. Nasir recounted
that there were 11,000 pigs in the city area raised by 74 pig farmers. The group discussed ways of resolving the
straying of pigs into the city, and Sri. Eeranna committed to call a meeting of
the pig farmers to resolve the issue.
In this manner
the group discussed various issues and brought to the focus of the plenary the
following comments and recommendations.
The very poor conditions of the Raichur Civil
Hospital
The OPEC Hospital: High-specialty health
service but yet to be fully utilised for the benefit of the city
Rapporteur’s
Summarisation:
1. In 1932, the
Hyderabad Nizam, celebrating the silver jubilee year of his reign, began a
project to supply drinking water to Raichur. The same was completed in 1935.
This project was aimed to serve 1,00,000 people. In 1967, a project to supply
additional water to Raichur city from Tungabhadra left bank canal was planned
and the same was completed in 1969. Now with the population exceeding 2,00,000,
these old schemes provided water far below requirements. The new Krishna water supply scheme, due to
be commissioned soon, would augment this situation, and would even provide
surplus water. But given the condition
of supply pipelines, the possibility of water pumped reaching the consumer, and
in potable quality, remained uncertain. Sri. Yasin, MLA, explained that he was
in touch with consultants to assess the revamping of internal supply system,
and work would be taken up soon in this matter.
2. Regardless
of any major water supply work undertaken, it was felt that for semi-arid regions
like Raichur, rainwater harvesting was fundamental for water security. It was proposed that water-harvesting
systems should be integrated in buildings.
3. Some major
inlets that topographically conveyed water to the Am Talab Tank have been
repaired recently. Several other inlets had fallen into disuse or were damaged,
and it was identified that restoration of those inlets should be priority. In
so doing, the slaughterhouses that are located near the Am Talab and other
places in the city should be relocated.
5. The use of
plastics is excessive in the city and should be discouraged. Traders and the
common consumers should be educated, and awareness should be created among the
public about the ill effects of excessive use of plastic.
6. The
population of pigs in the city has exceeded 11,000. About 74 people are known
to own these pigs and rear them. In order to eradicate them alternative
employment should be created for these people. The pigs should be reared in a
common piggery outside the city. This measure would help prevent brain fever
and other contagious diseases that are carried by the pigs.
7. Parks and
gardens should be developed in proportion to the population of the city, and
keeping in view the open space prescribed per land use criteria.
Sri. M. Eeranna, Vice-President of Raichur City
Council and Sri. Syed Yasin, MLA, sharing some thoughts after the group
discussion
Group Two
Rapporteur: Sri. Siddappa Ithli, Retd. Chief Engineer of Raichur City Council.
Facilitator
from ESG: Smt. Pujita Krishna, ESG
Facilitator’s Summarisation:
Sri. Siddappa Ithli,
convened the discussion on the subject of human settlements and environment,
with occasional assistance from Sri.
C.D Patil. As was expected, the focus of attention was on Raichur’s 54
slums and their lamentable conditions. The questions that had been framed
helped steer the discussion through a complex set of problems that were
identified. However, frequent departures from these broad questions were only
to be expected.
The
question regarding degradation in the city’s environment in the recent years
elicited a gamut of responses from the participants. Smt. Mahboob Jaan, in her highly motivated participation, spoke of
the deteriorating conditions in the slums.
She said that the numbers in the slums of Raichur were swelling as a
result of migrants moving into the city in search of work, further
deteriorating the living conditions of these condemned citizens. Politicians
and Councilors had caused very little change despite several assurances of
development.
It was
commonly felt that a most urgently needed development in these areas was that
of an Underground Drainage System. This
would serve to eliminate some of the squalor that pervaded here whilst also
ensuring a more hygienic and healthy environment for the residents. A solution
presented was to relocate some families with better facilities, e.g. Ashraya
Yojana scheme. In addition general rehabilitation measures should be expedited
where migrant workers were concerned, in order to prevent formation of these
settlements in the first place.
Drawing of water from broken supply pipes in
the absence of adequate water supply and pressure
It was
also pointed out that very often, public spaces like children’s playgrounds,
gardens and parks are encroached upon flagrantly, sometimes, with the tacit
consent of the authorities. This leads to unplanned developments of human
settlements, which could potentially become slums. A strong solution to end
this menace was to strictly enforce land use rules and regulations.
The importance of 74th amendment should be explained to all
the people, so that they understand the implications and rationale of this act
and how it would serve to make things better for them.
- Sri. Mahadevappa, discussion
group 2
When
the subject of the physical environment of the city was broached, everyone
agreed that the temperature of the city in the recent years had shot up
considerably and that this was a matter of grave concern. When pressed for
solutions, each participant, in his/her turn, felt that the need of the hour
was higher attention to urban forestry. Tree planting along avenues and roads
was imperative it was felt. Reshma, the youngest participant in the
discussion, highlighted how it was required for public to be involved,
particularly in ensuring trees planted were tended to and protected, especially
in the early stages of their growth. It was also generally perceived that the
Raichur Thermal Power Station had contributed significantly to the rise
temperature in the city. The massive amounts of fly ash generated by the
station and dumping on the banks of the River Krishna, were also a matter of
grave concern. Everybody agreed that necessary steps should be taken to remedy
this situation.
Private Nursing Homes are capitalizing on the
lack of adequate public health care facilities in the City.
Sri. Virupakshi, a
Municipal Councilor, in his turn, stressed that the root cause of all these
maladies was the lack of awareness among the poor about pertinent issues
affecting their lives and the remedies for them. He felt that creating a
consciousness among them about their rights could be the only way of
obliterating such indifference and fatalism of this underprivileged section, a
view that was shared by all. Interestingly, another participant brought the
issue of increasing noise levels in the city to the fore. He opined that the
increasing noise pollution was in no way an unimportant matter and that it
affected the psychological and mental health of the residents of Raichur. Sri.
C.D Patil spoke at great length on the subject of environment and related
issues. He was vociferous on the subject of eco-friendly, alternative
technologies. These technologies, he felt, were the need of the hour,
especially in growing urban areas like Raichur. He explained patiently the
concept of composting, its benefits; rainwater harvesting; solar water heaters
and lights.
In
conclusion, it was agreed by one and all that there should be transparency in
matters of governance and that the people should be informed about all the
programmes and schemes that are undertaken by the government for the people,
thereby avoiding corrupt practices and ensuring that the people really benefit.
Sri. Mahadevappa, spoke
of the 74th amendment and said that the importance of this
legislation should be explained to the people, so that they understand the
implications and rationale of this act and how it would serve to make things
better for them.
The
discussion took place for an hour. Of the 20 participants invited for the
discussion on this theme, about 8 attended the workshop. However the discussion
was lively, fruitful and resulted in several useful suggestions for the
improvement of the city of Raichur.
Raichur sewage flows through the Moat of
Raichur Fort
Rapporteur’s
Summarisation:
As in
the group discussion, the problem of the slums remained an important component
of the rapporteur’s presentation. Sri. Ithli said that the unchecked growth of
slums in the city is not desirable. He said that it was important to have a
study of the socio-economic conditions existing in the slums and provide
underground drainage in the existing slums. However, it would be better to
identify sites where the future migrants can settle down so that the existing
slums don’t grow uncontrollably.
He
stressed the need for conserving drinking water in the city and also exploring
alternative means of augmenting the supply, such as rainwater harvesting.
Alternative technology could be used in other civic amenities e.g. the
streetlights could be designed to use solar power.
The
third aspect that he stressed on was that of air and sound pollution. The
suggestion was to recycle the fly ash generated from the Raichur Thermal Power
Plant, by using it as a raw material for the cement industry. The noise
pollution caused by vehicles was identified as another critical problem in the
city.
