The Greater Visakhapatnam Municipal Corporation (GVMC) is set to launch a pilot project deploying drones to monitor building plan compliance and detect unauthorised constructions. Aiming to streamline the identification of structural violations, this initiative could bolster GVMC’s revenue by around INR 100 crore through more comprehensive property reassessment and taxation.
Encompassing a jurisdiction of over five lakh structures across 98 wards in eight zones, including Anakapalli and Bheemili, GVMC is exploring drones as a modern, efficient solution for urban oversight. This innovative approach was inspired by discussions at the recent Drone Summit in Amaravati, where officials considered advanced strategies for managing city development. Equipped with real-time aerial visuals and geo-referencing, drones offer a precise method for identifying violations like unauthorised floors or deviations from approved building plans, improving upon traditional methods.
The pilot will first target Zone II, specifically Madhurawada, Kommadi, and adjacent areas-hotspots for building violations. GVMC selected this area strategically due to the high incidence of reported construction deviations. Additionally, the corporation has identified around 39,000 vacant plots and plans to introduce a Vacant Land Tax (VLT) scheme to further enhance revenue, encouraging more efficient land use by owners.
Previously, GVMC relied on tools like AutoCAD for identifying building violations. Now, with drones adding a new layer of precision, geo-referenced data combined with aerial imagery will streamline identification. After drones capture evidence of suspected violations, town planning teams will evaluate the footage to determine compliance and, if necessary, take corrective action.
To further strengthen enforcement, GVMC will establish teams in each zone to quickly address violations once drones verify them. If illegal structures or plan deviations are confirmed, these teams will act swiftly, even demolishing non-compliant buildings if required. The drone technology is expected to enhance transparency and reduce the possibility of bias by providing clear, indisputable visual documentation of violations.
By accepting this technology, GVMC aims to improve property tax collections significantly, uncovering properties that may have evaded prior assessments. This initiative marks a progressive shift towards efficient, unbiased urban management, aligning with GVMC’s commitment to setting a new standard in city governance. Through this forward-thinking project, GVMC seeks to improve compliance, foster organised urban growth, and lead by example in utilising technology for municipal administration.
In conclusion, GVMC’s integration of drone technology represents a significant shift toward modernising urban governance. By combining cutting-edge aerial surveillance with geo-referencing, the corporation will not only improve the accuracy and efficiency of identifying building violations but also ensure transparency and reduce bias in enforcement. The expected boost in property tax collection through more effective reassessment will enhance GVMC’s revenue generation. This initiative exemplifies how technology can streamline city management, promote compliance, and foster more organised urban growth. GVMC’s use of drones sets a new benchmark for effective, transparent, and accountable municipal administration.
