Manpower shortage stalls GIS property mapping project

The Geographical Information System (GIS) property survey launched by the municipal corporation, Amritsar, has been at a standstill for more than three weeks. The delay is being attributed to a shortage of manpower in the private firm executing the project. The last survey activity was carried out on October 7. In response, the municipal corporation has issued a stern warning to the company, directing it to resume work within seven days.

The project, awarded to Cyber Swift Company, aims to digitally map around four lakh properties across the city using advanced technology. As part of the plan, a high-tech LiDAR (3D) survey is to be conducted over four square kilometres in the walled city area. According to the municipal corporation’s timeline, 60 per cent of the survey was expected to be completed in the first month. Each survey team was required to cover around 3,000 properties daily, recording details such as the number of floors, covered and open areas and other structural features. However, from September 19 to October 7, the company managed to survey only about 2,200 properties, primarily in Ranjit Avenue, Basant Avenue, Green Avenue, and Anand Avenue. Survey work in other parts of the city, particularly in Ward 85 and nearby localities, remains incomplete. Drone-based surveys have been finished in most areas except two wards near the airport, where aircraft movement has restricted drone operations. Officials said the work in these wards will resume after obtaining the necessary clearances.

The LiDAR-based mapping of the walled city also remains pending. Under the project, each property — residential, commercial, industrial, or vacant — will be assigned a unique identification number plate. The total MC area of the city spans 145 square km.