Assessing the Efficiency of Municipal Infrastructure - Case study in Vaaniyambadi Municipality, Tamilnadu, India

Abstract

This document discusses the evaluation of infrastructure facilities in Vaniyambadi, with the aim of improving the quality of life by addressing the issues and suggesting ways to enhance these facilities. The study focuses on physical infrastructure, including water supply, sewage and drainage, solid waste management, and electricity supply. It highlights the need for alternate water sources, additional pumping stations, and proper distribution of overhead water tanks to ensure equal access to water. It also emphasizes the importance of covering open drains, installing sewage treatment plants, and raising awareness about proper waste management to create a cleaner and healthier environment. Furthermore, the document addresses social infrastructure, particularly healthcare facilities and educational institutions. It suggests improvements such as increasing the number of beds and water supply in government hospitals, enhancing security systems in schools, and promoting collaboration between the community and municipal workers to maintain cleanliness. The document concludes by emphasizing the significance of infrastructure in driving economic and social development and the need for continuous improvement and modernization. Keywords: Municipal infrastructure, Physical infrastructure, Social infrastructure, Solid waste management , water supply

Introduction

I. INTRODUCTION

The terminology is used for those structures that directly drive the economy of any country. Physical infrastructure is directly concerned with the needs of such production sectors as agriculture, industry, trade etc. These structures are the major instruments that drive social as well as economic change in any society. These Facility assist the operations of the social infrastructure as well and both of them go hand in hand. The planning of infrastructure shall be based on the hierarchy of urban development. The urban infrastructure is analogous to the internal frame of a building: as the frame is the underlying structural support for the building, the urban infrastructure is the underlying structural foundation of a city. A country’s economic and social development is directly dependent on a country’s infrastructure. Many developed countries make a lot of progress because of the enormous growth of economic and social infrastructures. A good infrastructure makes the work process easier, resulting in a positive and high productivity.

A. Aim

The aim of the study is to evaluate the infrastructure facilities in Vaniyambadi and understand the issues and suggesting ways to improve the quality of life by improving these facilities.

B. Objective

The main objective of the study is,

1. To evaluate the performance, condition, and capacity of existing infrastructure systems.
2. To identify critical infrastructure needs and deficiencies of Vaniyambadi and develop strategies to meet those needs.
3. To analyze the impact of infrastructure on social equity and environmental sustainability.

II. LITERATURE REVIEW

A. Infrastructure And Municipalities

Municipalities are responsible for providing essential services to their residents, such as water supply, sanitation, waste management, electricity, education, public health, public safety and so on. Infrastructure is the physical foundation that makes these services possible.

Without adequate infrastructure, municipalities cannot effectively deliver these essential services, and the quality of life for residents suffers.

B. Importance Of Municipal Infrastructure Evaluation

Evaluation is about understanding the needs and aspirations of the people who live and work in the city. Community engagement is crucial to ensure that infrastructure investments reflect the priorities and concerns of residents.

1. Safety and Security: Deteriorated infrastructure can lead to accidents, disruptions, and even disasters. Failing water mains, and overloaded power grids pose serious risks to public safety and economic stability. Evaluation helps identify potential hazards before they occur, allowing for proactive maintenance and repair.
2. Efficiency and Sustainability: Inefficient infrastructure wastes resources and money. Evaluation helps pinpoint areas where upgrades can improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and save money.
3. Livable Cities and Economic Growth: Good infrastructure is the backbone of a thriving city. It attracts businesses and residents, promotes economic development, and enhances the overall quality of life. Evaluation ensures that cities are investing in the right infrastructure projects to meet the needs of their communities and support future growth.
4. Resilience and Climate Change: Extreme weather events are becoming more frequent and intense. Cities need infrastructure that can withstand floods, droughts, and other natural disasters. Evaluation helps identify vulnerabilities and plan for adaptation and mitigation measures, building resilient cities that can weather any storm.

VI. FINDINGS AND DISCUSSIONS

A. Physical Infrastructure

1. Water Supply

• The calculation and the comparison with the guidelines show that there is water demand and the municipality has to take action.
• There are areas that do not receive municipal water, showing uneven distribution of water.

2. Sewage and Drainage

• The open drains are not healthy options for sewage disposal as uncovered drains cause health hazards and unpleasant atmosphere for people to live in.
• The inadequate drain capacity causes overflow and flooding during the rainy seasons. This may lead environmental pollution and other health issues.

3. Solid Waste Management

• The city has the required basic infrastructure for proper waste management, but still the city found to be dirty and has an un-sanitary appearance.
• The main problem in the city is that people litter everywhere and do not have the awareness about proper waste management.
• There is lack in the manpower for solid waste management in the municipal level. This makes is difficult for the government to keep the city clean.

4. Electricity Supply

• The city has old and outdated power supply infrastructure which has high maintenance issues.
• The municipality has industries that draw up a lot of energy.

B. Social Infrastructure

1. Healthcare Facilities

• In the government hospital the water facilities are lacking as per the bed counts, it is about nearly 100 liters per bed has been lacking.
• The Government Hospitals has been serving the good medical facilities, but there are some facilities lacking such as major surgeries, diagnostic service and bed count.
• The Multispecialty hospitals has not been serving as per the standards due to there is more facilities are lacking such as Ambulance.

2. Educational Institutions

• In the government schools the sanitation facilities has not been properly maintaining due to the lack of labors.
• The safety and security system has not been good in the government schools.

3. Socio-Economic Amenities Religious Facility

The Religious buildings is Vaniyambadi satisfy the URDPFI guidelines but they lack in maintenance of old temples and Jaina palli are not in good condition because of improper maintenance and lack in providing parking facility, water facility & drainage facility. The religious buildings mainly depend on borewell for water & Tankers. During festival season the religious building cannot accommodate the crowd due to overcrowding and minor accidents occur due to it.

4. Community Hall

Based on the primary & secondary data were compared with URDPFI guidelines along with the parking facilities, water supply and sewage provided in halls are not sufficient. As per 2023 projected population 23 community halls & 2043 only 29 community halls are required but only 16 exist. The New town of Vaniyambadi does not have a government community hall.

5. Institutional Spaces

The main functions of the TNPCB under the provisions of the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and the Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 are to plan a comprehensive program for the prevention, control and abatement of water and air pollution, to inspect industrial plants or manufacturing process, any control equipment and to give directions to take steps for the prevention, abatement of air pollution and to inspect air pollution control areas for the purpose of assessment of quality of air therein and to take steps for the prevention, control or abatement of air pollution in such areas

The Highway department takes care of the roads for laying and maintenance within the Vaniyambadi boundary, The PWD takes care for construction of Government projects and infrastructure development.

6. Public Infrastructure Post office and Library

The quantity of post offices surpasses the necessary provision, whereas the number of libraries stands at just one, which falls short of meeting the demand.

7. Police station and Fire station

According to the URDPFI guidelines, the existing police stations and fire stations are deemed adequate for the present time as well as for the projected needs up to the year 2043. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the crime rate is notably higher in wards 34, 35, and 36.

8. Open and Green spaces

Based on the field survey and comparison with URDFPFI guidelines it was observed that based on ward population it was found that there is deficiency is parks and play grounds. The Open space & Green space in Vaniyambadi is very less and reducing and no proper playground exist in Vaniyambadi. The park required / deficiency are 3 & 1 play ground as compared with URDPFI guidelines

Conclusion

A. Summary Of Key Findings And Their Implication 1) Physical Infrastructure a) Water Supply • Alternate water sources can be adopted or the existing sources can be enhanced. Additional pumping stations can be installed to increase the water supply to the city. • The Overhead water tanks can be evenly distributed according to the population in each ward, so that all people receive the same amount of water. b) Sewage and Drainage • Covering of the open drains is a cost-effective and simple solution. • A sewage treatment plant can be installed to avoid water body’s pollution. c) Solid waste Management • The people and the municipal workers have to work with each other to keep the city clean. • Awareness programs can be organized to make the people aware of the adverse effects of improper solid waste management. • The government needs to increase the man-power for proper solid waste management. d) Electricity Supply • Alternate energy sources can be adopted for non-residential and non-commercial purposes. • Modern technology can be adopted to make energy usage efficient. 2) Social Infrastructure a) Healthcare Facilities • Diagnostic Services facilitates the provision of timely, cost-effective, and high-quality diagnostic care in safe and secure environments. It includes the clinical services of Pathology and Laboratory Medicine, Radiology, and Nuclear Medicine. • The proposed no. of beds for government hospital is about 106 beds, it will be sufficient for the Vaniyambadi population. • The proposed water tank for the government hospital is about 60000 liters. It has been given as the 2 tanks of 30000 liters. For the 250 beds, the proposed water tank and the existing water tank capacity is about 120000 liters. It can supply 450 liters for the each beds. b) Educational Institutions • In the government schools there is no proper security system such as, CCTV cameras and security. Proper security system has to be provided in schools and colleges for the safety of the children. The cameras can be placed on the main entrance and in each floor. • CCTV cameras can be used to monitor the activities of students, staff, and visitors, and can help to deter any criminal activity, and also for the restriction of entry for unauthorized people. • Most of the government schools does not have any sanitation workers. This exposes children to dust early in morning. Sanitation workers are involved in various tasks across the sanitation value chain, including cleaning toilets and spaces; cleaning and emptying sewers, septic tanks and drains; operating sewage treatment plants, etc. It is important to provide a safe and healthy environment to the students. c) Socio-cultural Amenities Religious Facility • Maintaining religious buildings and conserving them without affecting its originality. • Providing proper parking facilities that can accommodate the vehicle traffic during the festival seasons. • Providing proper water & drainage facility for the religious buildings. Community Halls • To provide a Common community hall or samuthaya koodam at new town in Vaniyambadi. • To provide proper parking facilities for the existing community hall in or out of the premises. • To provide proper water facilities & drainage facility in the community halls accommodating the capacity of the crowd. d) Institutional Spaces • To frame strict rules and action plan to reduce the pollution from the industries in Vaniyambadi from polluting water and air. • To put penalties by the government institutions who are violating the rules in solid waste or polluting water and air. e) Public Infrastructure Post office and Library • To align with the URDPFI Guidelines, additional libraries need to be constructed. Consequently, we have proposed the establishment of two libraries in distinct localities, with the potential for further expansion or construction of additional libraries contingent upon the utilization of these new facilities. Police station and Fire station • According to the URDPFI guidelines, the existing police stations and fire stations are deemed adequate for the present time as well as for the projected needs up to the year 2043. Nonetheless, it is worth noting that the crime rate is notably higher in wards 34, 35, and 36. f) Open and green spaces The Vaniyambadi municipality as land asset (ward-1,2,5,16,28,29,30,31) comprising the total area of 32,436.36sq.m. There are totally 3 parks, i.e. two in old town and one in new town of Vaniyambadi. Moreover the Municipal has proposed for upgradation and renovation of 3 parks i.e. 1) Park at D.V.G Nagar layout in Vaniyambadi Municipality in ward no.30 for an amount of 40.75crores via Kalaignar Nagarpura Mempattu Thittam 2022-2023, 2) Development of Park in Kaliamman koil street, VSV road periyapet Vaniyambadi Municipality at ward-1 for an amount of 29 crores via Kalaignar Nagarpura Mempattu Thittam 2022-2023, 3) Municiapal Naivasl ladies park in ward-29 for an amount of 15 crores via Namaku Namae Thittam and upgrading other parks into sponge parks. Moreover, the Tamil Nadu Government has also proposed a mini stadium in Vaniyambadi of allocating an amount of Rs.3 crores only for the development of sport in Vaniyambadi. B. Conclusion The conclusion of the document is that infrastructure plays a crucial role in driving economic and social development in Vaniyambadi. It states that a good infrastructure makes work processes easier, resulting in higher productivity. The document also highlights the need to evaluate and improve the existing infrastructure facilities in Vaniyambadi to enhance the quality of life for its residents. It identifies various areas of infrastructure, such as healthcare facilities, educational institutions, water supply, and public infrastructure, and provides comparisons with the URDPFI guidelines to assess the adequacy of these facilities. The document suggests that there is a deficiency in certain areas, such as parks and playgrounds, and emphasizes the importance of addressing these deficiencies to meet the needs of the growing population. Overall, the document emphasizes the significance of infrastructure in promoting economic growth and improving the well-being of the community in Vaniyambadi.

References

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Copyright

Copyright © 2024 Raghul S, Naveen Kumar S , Harish B, Shivali P, Langesh G, Sudhan Srinivas. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License, which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.