Thane civic body gets Crisil award for excellence

Cities of Bangalore, Indore, Thane and Visakhapatnam have bagged the Crisil Awards (2004-05) for excellence in municipal initiatives. More than 40 urban local bodies (ULBs) had been in the running for the award.

However, Brinhanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) got a thumbs down as it was not even shortlisted.

In its second year of running, as an effort to give recognition to ULBs across India, the Crisil Awards are based on the 'partnership' theme. It focuses on the initiatives taken by these bodies in partnership with citizens or the private bodies.

"As our municipal bodies do not have adequate resources and capacity, unless there is some partnership we cannot expect much development," said Hemant Joshi, chief operating officer, Crisil.

The Indore Municipal Corporation (IMC) was awarded for excellence in road development through citizens' participation. The corporation raised 34 per cent of the total cost incurred on the restoration of the city roads by approaching the citizens as equal stakeholders. Nearly 60 per cent of the restoration has been completed and the rest will be completed in the next two years.

The Bangalore Mahanagar Palike (BMP) bagged the award for excellence in application of technology to improve durability of roads by using waste plastics. This was in the category of initiative taken by the urban body in partnership with private sector.

In contrast, the use of plastic led to choking drains in Mumbai. The Bangalore model of plastic use in making roads is a good option for Mumbai too.

The Thane Municipal Corporation (TMC) received the award in the category of urban body in partnership with multiple stakeholders for its lake conservation efforts.

Since the process of urbanisation is going on a fast clip, the scope of municipal bodies is becoming large. This award comes as a catalyst in energising the ULBs to meet the growing challenge of urbanisation.

"India, fast becoming a service dominated country, requires growth in its urban governance. In this process, the municipal bodies play a vital role. Such contribution from ULBs help in growth of the country," said R Ravimohan, managing director, Crisil.

Deepak Parekh, chairman, HDFC, who was the chief guest at the awards ceremony, said that recognising the efforts of the urban bodies is commendable.

"Especially, with the perspective that in a couple of years, 36 per cent of the country's population will reside in the urban areas, such an award helps in encouraging the urban bodies aim for excellence," he added.