DEMAND NO. 42
According to the 2001 census, 11.10% of Sikkims population
resides in urban population according to the 1991 census was, however,
only 9.15%. It the census area of 1981 is taken into consideration,
the urban population would have been around 30%. The population growth
in the urban areas has not been matched with equal development of
infrastructure and urbanization. Developmental activities being undertaken
only when problems have been posed by population growth. There has
never been an anticipatory development based on future population
projections and requirements. As result either the infrastructures
are inadequate or over utilised leading to congestion. The development
that has resulted in the rural sector has increased the agriculture
and related products. These products are however, required to be brought
for sale to the urban areas if they are to be converted into cash
and activate the rural economy. In addition, the availability of better
health and education in the towns has also attempted people to float
from rural to urban sectors.
Secondly, once people have a surplus with increased
purchasing power, they prefer to shift to the urban areas and they
demand for house sites will an eye on the income and convenience that
the asset will create. With the population increase, number of consumer
and durable shops have to be enhanced and consequently infrastructure
and civic amenities have also to be created or added in proportion
to the existing as well as projected population. The literacy rate
as per 2001 census is 68 per cent as compared to 1991 census, which
was 56.94 per cent.
The Government of Sikkim every year collects revenue
about Rs 15.00 crores by way of sales taxes from the shops. Once shops
and consequential trading activities increase the revenue generation
also will go up. It is however, to be indicated that there has been
no matching development in the urban sector.
OBJECTIVE AND THRUST IN THE TENTH FIVE-YEAR PLAN
Taking into consideration the achievements and shortfalls
of the planning process in the past as well as the birth of new challenges
and needs in the process, unless the urban sector is given priority,
for even a short term, the gap between what exists and what is required
in development will naturally widen. In the absence of Industries
in the State, towns and bazaars have been the only areas where economic
activity is concentrated. The main thrust during the tenth plan therefore
is proposed to complete the existing schemes and to start new schemes.
The aims and objectives are proposed to be achieved
through the following broad strategies:
i. Development of Gangtok as a model city
ii. Neighbourhood market development for Gangtok.k,
iii. To create regional balance in unbanisation by
development of important bazaars in the districts by resorting to
the schemes under the IDSMT.
iv. Establishment of Regional Development Authorities
for district headquarters towns.
v. Establishment of TCPO.
vi. Preparation of master Plans for the various bazaars,
which have no such plans so far
vii. Completion of exiting schemes.
viii. Addition/ Upgradation of existing infrastructure.
IMPLEMENTATION PROCESS
The VOS/NGOs in respect of schemes relating to Garbage
Management and Poverty Alleviation Programme under SJSRY will play
important role in the implementation of schemes. The Department will
make mandatory to involve these organizations in respect of such schemes
for sustainable development in the tenth plan.
The private sector participation will be encouraged
in the scheme of Housing Stock. The parking fees, sanitation fee property
tax, ground rents, trade licences, site salami and entertainment tax
will continue to play vital role for revenues of the Department.
The activities which will be necessary to implement
these strategies in phases where necessary, the financial dimensions
involved etc. are briefly given below.
A. REVENUE SECTION
1. State Capital Development- Gangtok a model
city
Eighty per cent of the urban population of Sikkim
is in the capital town of Gangtok only. The rapid and high degree
of population shift from rural to urban areas on the one hand the
non-existence of any notified Master plan with prescribed land use
pattern on the other has forced the capital town to grow in a very
unplanned and haphazard manner. Although the Government has stopped
the allotment of sites in the town, the existing infrastructure and
civic amenities like parking areas, marketing yard, alternative footpaths,
recreational parks etc. are too inadequate for even the existing population
as the capital of the state, Gangtok is also the centre of administrative,
cultural, social and educational activities in Sikkim. To reduce traffic
congestion the Government has decided to introduce ropeways in the
city. Drains still continue to remain open and garbage disposal is
being undertaken in very crude manner. Number of vehicles in increasing.
Where no space is available for horizontal expansion for parking space
optimum use of the available space is proposed to be undertaken by
way of vertical expansion depending upon the stability of the area.
As a hill station with tremendous tourist potential. Gangtok could
have arrangements for regional or international meetings and conferences,
but suitable space for developing the required infrastructure is not
available Briefs on the break up of components for State Capital Development
are given below.
(a) Garbage Disposal:
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 30.00 lakhs
With the increase tourist traffic and population
increase there has been proportionate increase in the quantum of garbage
and wastes in the town and bazaar areas. The fleet of garbage disposal
trucks have to be kept always on the road and replacement of old vehicles
by new ones is routine. Public demand is increasing for removable
of garbage even from peripheral rural areas. In an attempt to introduce
scientific disposal of solid degradable waste by converting them into
composts, the department has already purchased land in Marchak for
development of a dumping yard and necessary infrastructure for their
segregation and conversion into composts for which the project amounting
Rs 433.27 lakh has been approved for Government of India. Similar
exercise has to be undertaken for the district headquarters towns
also. A sum of Rs 30.00 lakhs is allocated for the year 2000-2002.
(b) Upkeep of Capital Town:
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 65.00 lakhs
Due to increase and influx of population to Gangtok
the existing urban infrastructure are over utilised leading to continuous
wear and tear. Gangtok being the capital town as well as the tourist
destination has to be kept in good condition all the year round. Gangtok
has unusually heavy rainfall as compared to its surroundings, which
necessitates continuous maintenance and restoration works for the
protection of the infrastructures. Shifting of Lal Bazaar has been
a major work as the Lal Bazaar Development is being carried out by
the executing agency NBCC. A sum of Rs 65.00 lakhs is proposed for
the year 2002-2003 for the project.
2. Initiative for Strengthening of Urban Infrastructure
Annual Plan
Rs 10.00 lakhs
The implementation of 74th Constitutional
amendment has become a need of the hour. The election of the municipality
is proposed to be held in September 2002. A sum of Rs 10.00 lakh has
been provided for the purpose.
3. Environmental Improvement of Siums:
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 104.00 lakhs.
All the bazaars in Sikkim including Gangtok has squatter
settlement particularly in areas otherwise not suitable for human
habitation since such areas are generally in steep slopes or are land
slide prone/ sinking. These settlements lack proper drainage and sewerage
systems etc. and do not eve have facilities for their basic minimum
needs. Arrangements have to be made to provide these amenities to
these dwellers since they are also an integral part in the urban society.
The Government of India has been providing adequate allocation under
NSDP (National Slum Development Programmes) to the state Government
for slum development. The Department has so far been undertaking the
scheme to the extent fund has been made available to the UD&HD
under this allocation. Accordingly an allocation of Rs 104.00 lakhs
is proposed for the year 2002-2003 although the need is for more under
the programme.
4. Town Planning Cell/TCPO:
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 24.00 lakhs
Salary of Officers and Staff in the Town Planning
Cell of the department is being met up from this head. In addition
expenditure on office expenses equipments required for the cell like
blue printing machine, scribers etc. are also being met from this
\head. Following the Siyari disaster in 1996, the notified areas of
Gangtok have been widened. Consequently the Cell has started receiving
blue print plans for clearance of the department even from the rural
areas, failing within the notified areas. The workload of the Cell
has accordingly increased, necessitating proportionate increase in
the cost of stationeries and equipments. With a view to streamline
the growth of towns and bazarrs in the state the Sikkim Urban and
Regional Act has already been enacted. Rues under the Act are being
framed and once the part of the function of the Town Planning division
will be transferred to organisation/ authority concerned. An amount
of Rs 24.00 lakhs is proposed in the year 2002-2003 under this Head.
5. Improvement of Urban Roads:
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 10.00 lakhs
The towns and bazaars of Sikkim have several interconnecting
arterial roads, footpaths, flyovers etc. which need to be maintained,
improved or widened depending upon the increase in the number of vehicular
traffic/ pedestrians. These roads face continuous wear and tear and
are to be kept in good condition. Side walks form part of these roads
and often-interconnecting footpaths are also to be constructed Hence,
a sum of Rs 10.00 lakhs is proposed to be utilised in the year 2002-2003.
6. Development of Other Bazaars:
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 37.00 lakhs
Sikkim has yet to formulate a strategy for balance
regional urban development planning. If important towns in the districts
are developed, it will help in decongestion of the capital town automatically.
The department has instructions from the Government for preparation
of Master Plans for each of the bazaars in Sikkim so that they grow
in a planned manner and follow proper land use plan. The increase
in the purchasing power of rural people as a result of continuous
developmental inputs to the rural sector has enhance the demand for
allotment of sites in urban areas or alternatively they have been
purchasing private holdings for urban settlements. Marketing yards
are to be expanded, hat sheds added, and regulatory measures undertaken,
It is felt that if these bazaars are properly developed, it will help
in activating the local economy of that area. Markets are to be expanded,
proper land use has to be defined and construction regulated, and
civic amenities are to be added. In addition the Model Village Scheme
of RDD has also to be integrated under this scheme. Surface renovation
of Sombaria. Jorethang and Soreng Bazaar will be given priority. A
sum of Rs 47 lakhs has been proposed for the year 2002-2003.
7. Direction & Administration:
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 85.20 lakhs
Apart from the normal increase in the salary bills
of the employees in the department, fees of the consultancy firms
for preparation of various projects reports are also being met up
from this debitable head. As directed by the govt. more urban master
plans are required to be prepared in the near future. A sum of Rs
85.20 lakhs is being proposed in the Annual Plan 2002-2003 for this
expenditure.
8. Grants to Local Bodies as Recommended by EFC:
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 4.00 lakhs
The grant to local bodies amounting Rs 4.00 lakhs
has been provided in the annual plan as per recommendation of the
Eleventh financial commission. The grand is proposed to be utilized
as per the guidelines
9. SJSRY
Annual Plan 2002-2003: Rs 80.00 lakhs (CSS-Rs
60.00 lakhs) SS- Rs 20.00 lakhs
Nehru Rojgar Yojana has been replaced by Swarna Jayanti
Sahari Rojgar Yojana w.e.f. 1.12.97. All Poverty Alleviation Programmes
under operation in urban areas are amalgamated and implemented through
SJSRY. The pattern of Financing is 75:25 between the Centre and the
State. The objective of the new scheme is to provide self-employment
to the urban poor by setting up of Micro-Enterprise and to provide
wage employment by creating Society and Economically useful and durable
assets. The provision of Rs 20.00 lakhs will be utilised as the state
share of SJSRY.
10. Assistance to Sikkim Housing & Development
Board (U.D.O.):
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 80.00 lakhs
According to the articles of Association and Memorandum
of the Sikkim Housing & Development Board the establishment cost
of the Board is to be borne by the State Government as grant-in-aid
in the absence of Government land for allotment to the public and
private lands being beyond the reach of those in the middle and low-income
groups, creation of affordable housing stocks through the Sikkim Housing
and Development Board is the only silver lining in the housing scenario.
The activities of the Board have to be definitely expanded and proper
strategies formulated. According a sum of Rs 80.00 lakhs is earmarked
for the Annual Plan 2002-2003.
B. CAPITAL SECTION.
1. Integrated Development of Small and Medium Towns:
Annual Plan 2002-2003.
Rs 75.00 lakhs.
Whereas sixty percent of the project cost under the
scheme was given by the Central govt. as loan under the pevious guidelines,
the revised guideline, which came into effect from 1995, Provides
for 40% Central grant, 32% has to be pooled by the State Govt. and
20% to be borrowed from the financial institutions. As a result, the
acceptability of the scheme has enhanced since the loan component
has now reduced from 60% to 20%. The scheme is being implemented for
development of important markets by way of creating assets to enhance
the economic activity in the area. The development has already obtained
the draft strategy paper for the various towns to be developed on
priority. Towns that are identified for development can be brought
under this scheme. As the strategy paper has already been accepted
by the govt. the scheme can be extended to all the towns if the State
Government is agreeable to provide the state share. The project at
Singtam has already achieved 90% physical progress. We have received
approval for construction of shopping complex at Pakyong, Rongli,
Jorethang, Gayzing and Soreng.
2. Land Acquisition:
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 318.00 lakhs
Whatever land belong to the Government in various
towns and bazaars have already exhausted, but the demand as well as
need for extension of bazaar areas continues unabated. There is no
alternative than to acquire private holdings falling in the periphery
of such bazaar/ towns for bazaar extension, where new marketing yards,
hard sheds, parking areas etc. could be develoed. The land acquisition
is also necessary to control the unplanned growth of the peripheral
areas of the bazaars.
Necessity is being felt for extension of at least
10 bazaars immediately where additional marketing centres are to be
developed and infrastructure added. The acquisition of Star Cinema
Hall and land has been earmarked in the current financial year.
A sum of Rs 318.00 lakhs is being proposed for the
purpose.
3. Parking Place:
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 178.00 lakhs
The absence of public transport system due to opposition
by certain quarters and the resultant increase in the number of local
cabs, introduction of interstate taxis and buses in new routes. Arrival
of more tourist buses have created the demand for large parking space
in the town, Government has often desired to convert the core area
of Gangtok into vehicle free zone. If this is to be translated into
reality, several parking spaces have to be developed simultaneously.
The department already has in the shell of proposal to add one floor
in the existing Children Park taxi stand and to add one more floor
in the old West Point School also. Proposal is afoot to add three
more parking stands. A piece of land has also already been purchased
at Ranipool for parking space which is on the highway. The construction
of parking place at Deorali has started. A sum of Rs 178.00 lakhs
will be utilised for the year 2002-2003 for taking up the work of
developing additional parking areas.
4. Implementation of Master Plan:
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 40.00 lakhs.
The department has, as far as feasible endeavoured
to implement the Master Plan as prepared by the GILCON and revised
by RITES and has already completed few schemes projected in the report.
Due to demographic changes and increased human settlements, addition
of new infrastructure ahs been felt necessary so as to contain the
problems created by gradual urbanisation. To minimise traffic pedestrians’
confrontations it has become necessary to introduce flyovers across
and along the Highways. Marketing areas need extension, civic amenities
like sheds and toilets are to be added. With a view to improve the
aesthetics of the town to make it compatible with the tourism development,
urgency for beautification of Gangtok and places around is also being
felt. For pedestrian dispersal, additional link roads and footpaths
are required. In the current year the pedestrian flyover. A sum of
Rs 40.00 lakhs is earmarked for the Annual Plan 2002-2003 for the
implementation of the schemes.
5. Social Housing (U.D.D.)
Annual Plan 2002-2003:
Rs 20.00 lakhs
This is one of the schemes under the 20-point programme
for those in E.W.S. and is implemented for providing low cost housing
to the urban poor. Sikkim has no peoples who are shelterless, but
there are people who live in sub-standard temporary houses. These
categories of people and found to have settled in areas otherwise
not suitable for permanent human habitation like sinking areas of
in steep slopes. Unless alternative arrangement for their housing
in suitable areas are made, loss of life and property at any time
can not be ruled out. This scheme is being implemented for providing
low cost housing to this category of people including supply of construction
materials like bricks, GCI sheets and site development so as to enhance
their stability. A sum of Rs 20.00 lakhs is proposed for the Annual
Plan 2002-2003.
6. Urban Drainage and Sanitation:
Annual Plan 2002-2003:
Rs 4.00 lakhs.
The drainage and sanition in the towns and bazaar
is very important function. A sum of Rs 4.00 lakh is kept for the
annual plan 2002-2003.
7. Storm Water Drainage System along National
Highway (90:10) CSS
Annual Plan 2002-2003
Rs 325.90 lakhs.
Absence of proper drainage network particularly in
Gangtok has been the frequent cause for damage of the and property.
As and when cross drains are blocked along the National Highway rainwater
can be seen flowing through the Highway itself. There has been severe
disturbance on the existing natural drains due to human intervention.
Since the natural surface absorption of rainwater through vegetation
has greatly reduced, the volume of run-off has been gradually increasing
necessitating diversion or introduction of new drainage network of
the expansion of the existing ones.
Gangtok further has more than twenty sanitary latrines
under the Department. In areas where sewerage pipes have not been
laid the old system of septic tanks still continues. The Department
maintains a cesspool clearer to encourage people not to empty their
septic tanks still continues. The Department maintains a cesspool
cleaner to encourage people not to empty their septic tanks into the
streams and thus pollute river water. Addition of more such vehicles
has become extremely necessary despite fund constraints.
The Govt. of India has approved the project for storm
water drainage system amounting Rs 627.22 lakhs and sanctioned Rs
564.50 lakhs. Token provision of Rs 0.10 lakhs only has been kept
in the annual plan 2002-2003 as state share.
8. Municipal Solid Waste Treatment for Gangtok
City:
Annual Plan
Rs 216.00 lakhs (90:10% CSS)
With the increase tourist traffic and population
increase there has been proportionate increase in the quantum of garbage
and wastes in the town and bazaar areas. The fleet of garbage disposal
trucks have to be kept always on the road and replacement of old vehicles
by new ones is routine. Public demand is increasing for removable
of garbage even from peripheral rural areas. In an attempt to introduce
scientific disposal of solid degradable waste by converting them into
composts, the department has already purchased land in Marchark for
development of a dumping yard and necessary infrastructure for their
segregation and conversion into composts.
The Government of India has approved the project
for eco-friendly treatment of solid waste and conversion of the same
into compost. The cost of the project is Rs 433.27 lakhs. In the annual
plan Rs 216.00 lakhs (Rs 21.03 lakhs as state share and Rs 194.97
as central share) has been provided for the project.
9. Lal Bazaar Development:
The government of India sanctioned Rs 1447.22 lakhs
for development of Lal Bazaar. The executing agency is NBCC. A token
provision of Rs 1.00 lakhs was proposed in the annual plan 2002-2003
with break of Rs 0.90 lakhs as the central share and Rs 0.10 lakh
as the state share. This state share needs to be re-appropriated to
other schemes as the fund from Government of India was directly transferred
to NBCC execution of work.
10. Development of City Centre Namchi:
A sum of Rs 33.00 lakhs has been provided for development
of approach road to City Centre. Namchi. The work was taken up in
the financial year 2001-2002.
ABSTRACT
|
Major Heads/ Minor Heads of Development
|
Annual Plan 2002-2003
|
|
Approved Outlay
|
Of which capital content
|
|
XI. Social Services
|
Rupees in Lakhs
|
|
8. Urban Development (incl. State Capital Projects &
Slum Area Development)
|
|
1. State Capital Dev. (Gangtok Model city)
|
|
|
|
(a) Garbage Disposal
|
30.00
|
-
|
|
(b) Upkeep of capital town
|
65.00
|
-
|
|
(c) Implementation of master plan
|
40.00
|
40.00
|
|
2. IDSMT
|
30.00
|
30.00
|
|
3. Land Acquisition
|
318.00
|
318.00
|
|
4. Parking Place
|
178.00
|
178.00
|
|
5. Social Housing
|
20.00
|
|
|
6. Urban Drainage & Sanitation
|
4.00
|
4.00
|
|
7. Environmental Improve of Slums
|
104.00
|
-
|
|
8. Town Planning Cell
|
|
|
|
9. Improvements of Urban Roads
|
10.00
|
-
|
|
10. Dev. Of Other Bazaars
|
47.00
|
-
|
|
11. S.J.S.R.Y.
|
20.00
|
-
|
|
12. Dev. Of city centre at Namchi
|
33.00
|
33.00
|
|
13. Assistance to Sikkim Housing Board
|
80.00
|
-
|
|
14, Direction & Administration
|
85.00
|
-
|
|
15. Lall Bazaar Development
|
0.10
|
0.10
|
|
16. Storm water management
|
0.10
|
0.10
|
|
17. Grant to local bodies (EFC)
|
4.00
|
-
|
|
18. Solid waste management
|
21.60
|
21.60
|
|
19. Initiative for strengthening of Urban infrastructure
|
10.00
|
|
|
Total
|
1,124.00
|
624.80
|
|
