BHOPAL: Madhya Pradesh has received the prestigious Achievement in GIS Award for the innovative use of its integrated geospatial platform ‘Garud’, developed by the Urban Administration and Development Department (UA&DD).
The award was presented at a national-level ceremony in New Delhi by ESRI India Director Ajendra Kumar to Sanket Bhondve, Commissioner of the Urban Administration and Development Department Officials said the recognition underscores the state’s efforts to strengthen urban administration through the integration of information technology and modern tools under the guidance of Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
‘Garud’, described as a GIS-based Urban Data Analytics Centre, consolidates spatial and revenue-related data of urban local bodies on a single platform. It enables map-based analysis of properties and revenue, identification of unassessed and potential new properties, and formulation of strategies to augment municipal income. The system also supports real-time digital monitoring of water supply and sewerage networks, land use, encroachment, building permissions and urban infrastructure.
Commissioner of the UA&DD Sanket Bhondve, a 2007 batch IAS officer and known for bringing innovation in public service, said the award reflected the state’s push towards technology-driven and transparent urban governance. “Through Garud, data has been made the primary basis for decision-making, This is bringing measurable improvements in the financial health of urban bodies, administrative efficiency and delivery of citizen services,” he said.
A supervision model under the platform allows data-driven assessment of the status of civic amenities and assets. Officials noted that the system is helping urban bodies enhance operational capacity, maintain basic infrastructure more effectively and manage public services with greater precision.