Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation Secures Rs 68.5 Crore Incentive for Pioneering GIS Survey
The Hubballi-Dharwad Municipal Corporation (HDMC) has achieved a significant milestone by becoming the first municipal corporation in India to qualify for a substantial financial incentive from the Union Ministry of Urban Development. The corporation is set to receive Rs 68.5 crore for successfully undertaking a comprehensive Geographic Information System (GIS)-based property survey, marking a pioneering effort in urban governance and revenue enhancement.
Systematic GIS Survey with 3D Modelling Nears Completion
The GIS survey, which includes advanced 3D modelling, has been meticulously carried out by Mumbai-based Genesys International Corporation Limited since June 2025. This initiative was part of a broader project implemented in four cities across the country: Hubballi-Dharwad, Jaipur, and Kochi. Among these, HDMC has distinguished itself by demonstrating exceptional systematic rigor and attention to detail, with approximately 80% of the survey work already completed.
HDMC Superintending Engineer R Vijay Kumar provided detailed insights into the progress, stating that key components such as aerial mapping, mobile reader surveys, data processing, road mapping, digital elevation models, and 3D modelling of both Hubballi and Dharwad are nearing finalization. "About 80% of the GIS work has been finished. Only the door-to-door survey remains," he confirmed, highlighting the advanced stage of the project.
Addressing Historical Challenges in Property Tax Collection
Historically, Hubballi-Dharwad has faced considerable challenges in property tax collection, significantly lagging behind its potential. The city boasts over 4.5 lakh properties, yet in the 2025–26 financial year, HDMC managed to collect only Rs 186 crore against a target of Rs 333 crore. This shortfall is primarily attributed to a large number of properties remaining outside the tax net, underscoring the urgent need for a more effective and inclusive assessment system.
Final Phase and Collaborative Efforts
The remaining door-to-door survey phase will be executed through a collaborative effort involving multiple stakeholders. This includes the revenue department, assistant director of land records (ADLR), sub-registrar offices, the Hubballi-Dharwad Urban Development Authority (Huda), and other relevant entities. To facilitate this process, a dedicated mobile application has been developed, ensuring efficiency and accuracy. The final exercise is projected to take an additional six months to complete, as per official estimates.
Transformative Impact on Revenue and Urban Development
Upon completion, the GIS survey is expected to bring all properties under the tax net, effectively eliminating opportunities for tax evasion. This comprehensive approach could potentially triple the corporation's revenue, according to Vijay Kumar, providing a substantial boost to municipal finances and enabling more robust urban development initiatives.
HDMC Commissioner Rudresh Ghali emphasized the significance of the Union government's recognition, noting that the Rs 68.5 crore incentive was approved in acknowledgment of the survey's speed and comprehensiveness. "Once the amount is credited, plans will be drawn up to implement development works across the twin cities," he stated, outlining the proactive steps to utilize the funds for enhancing infrastructure and public services in Hubballi and Dharwad.
This initiative not only sets a benchmark for other municipal corporations in India but also demonstrates how technological integration and systematic planning can address long-standing fiscal challenges, paving the way for sustainable urban growth and improved governance.
