GREEN URBAN IS FUTURE NOW …

In an exclusive interview with Urban Update, Jyoti Verma, Consulting Editor spoke with Amit Kumar, a distinguished 2010 batch IAS officer of Jharkhand cadre wherein he shares insights from his remarkable 15-year career. Currently serving as the Director of the State Urban Development Agency, CEO of Ranchi Smart City Corporation Ltd, and Managing Director of Jharkhand State Housing Board, his numerous achievements reflect a steadfast commitment to transforming urban landscapes.

How do you prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities, such as your role as Director of State Urban Development Agency, Project Director of various missions, and CEO of Ranchi Smart City Corporation Ltd (RSCCL)?

Identification of project, listing key deliverables, milestones, and deadlines for each project are important parameters to set priorities for projects under different departments. As far as my responsibilities are concerned, I am dedicated towards assigned task keeping transparency among departments and in synchronization.

Can you highlight a challenging project you managed, detailing how you navigated obstacles and ensured successful completion?

The Ranchi Smart City projects, linked to various Jharkhand government departments, faced challenges in implementing Smart Cities Mission (SCM) projects with all departmental approvals. RSCCL initiated inter-departmental coordination to achieve Smart City Mission targets, and the Command Control and Communication Center (C4) organized meetings for smooth integration, now providing seamless civic services to Ranchi citizens

Among your numerous achievements, which do you consider the most impactful for Jharkhand’s urban development, and why?

Ranchi Smart City is fostering a vibrant economy and addressing socio-economic needs by leveraging ICT. The Area Based Planning (ABD) area focuses on people, not vehicles, and improving liveability. The Command Control and Communication Centre (C4) manages city functions like traffic, public safety, energy usage, and waste, enabling data-driven decisions, emergency response, and real-time operation optimization, enhancing efficiency, sustainability, and quality of life for residents.

Could you share specific instances where your initiatives directly improved the quality of life for residents in urban areas within Jharkhand?

Ranchi, a major employment centre, is focusing on providing a safe, accountable, affordable, and inclusive mobility environment for its citizens. The Government of Jharkhand has launched sustainable transport initiatives, including the Public Bicycle Sharing System (PBS), which encourages Non-Motorized Transport (NMT) as a pollution-free urban mobility option. This initiative has improved the quality of life for citizens in urban areas and is an affordable mode of transportation for daily earners. Ranchi Smart City Corp. Ltd. has also developed 41.4 km of cycle track for safe, comfortable, and environmentally friendly urban mobility.

How do you ensure efficient allocation and utilization of funds for urban development projects, especially those under externally aided projects and tied grants from the 15th Finance Commission?

Under 15th Finance Commission, the tied grant can be utilised for the basic services i.e. for Water supply, water conservation and rejuvenation, Solid Waste Management, sanitation, Faecal Sludge Treatment Plant etc. therefore the main focus has given to strengthen the basic services through the 15th FC Tied Grant to the ULBs. In these three years many schemes of water supply, rejuvenation of water bodies, Solid Waste Management, Sanitation and FSTP have approved under 15th FC Tied Grant and regular monitoring is going on to implement the projects successfully at the ULB level. As per mandatory criteria for the ULBs, all the compliances are being completed on time so that the 15th FC Grants can be availed.

In what ways have you streamlined revenue collection mechanisms for municipalities, leading to increased collections?

Jharkhand Municipal Act was amended to move from composite tax to capital value method of property taxation in line with 15th FC and making user charges based on actual usage by citizen. Rules were prepared as per amended provision in the Act. Various modes of payment were made available to citizen allowing them saving in cost and time like rebate online payment of 5 per cent, early bird rebate of 5 per cent and rebate for separate section like widow, senior citizen, Divyang, armed forces and transgender so that citizen can claim up to 15 per cent rebate.

With your involvement in Ganga pollution abatement projects and environmental compliance monitoring, how do you balance urban development with environmental sustainability?

India’s water share is only four per cent of the world’s water availability, but 18 per cent of the world’s population lives in the country. The country’s water quality is deteriorating due to rapid population growth, rising living standards, and industrialization. Untreated sewage from cities on river banks is the main source of pollution. To achieve environmental compliance, it is crucial to prevent untreated sewage from entering rivers by stopping sources, diverting them to Sewage Treatment Plants (STPs), and allowing only treated water to enter water bodies.

Delighted to share that our two Ganga town Sahibganj and Rajmahal has completed sewerage network for city through 12 MLD STP and 3.5 MLD STP respectively. Construction of 246 MLD STP is expected to completed by December 2027 for Phusro, Ramgarh and Dhanbad city under Namami Gange programme using Interception and Diversion technique.

Could you share your vision regarding sustainable urbanization and initiatives taken towards achieving it?

Sustainable urbanisation focuses on eco-friendly methods to meet citizens’ basic needs without discrimination, including infrastructure, housing, employment, education, transportation, health care, and good governance. It aims for economic development, social development, and environmental protection for future generations. Urgently finding ways to achieve equitable growth without environmental costs is crucial. Without proper planning, design, and investment in sustainable cities, people will face negative impacts such as climate change, reduced economic growth, quality of life, and increased social instability.

How do you leverage technology and innovation to enhance the quality of life for citizens and ensure inclusive growth in smart city projects?

Ranchi aims to become a ‘Smart City’ with sustainable habitats, minimal pollution, maximum recycling, optimized energy supplies, digitized technology, and efficient public transportation. The Command Control and Communication Centre is established to improve urban governance services with smart applications. It consists of three components: Intelligent Traffic Management System (ITMS), Smart Business Tools, and Citizen Centric Emergency Systems. The Emergency Call Box provides emergency assistance, while the City App offers an advanced app with a Save our Souls feature. The Variable Messaging Sign Board and public announcement system provide real-time information on road congestion, weather forecasts, pollution levels, and government policies. Public Address Systems are used for offline communication and awareness.