Context:

• The Haryana government has introduced the Hisar Metropolitan Development Authority (HMDA) Bill, aimed at establishing a statutory authority to facilitate integrated and coordinated planning, infrastructure development, and mobility management in the Hisar metropolitan area.

Key Points:

• Hisar, located in northwestern Haryana, is an industrial and agricultural hub with a population of approximately 434,000, while the Hisar district had a population of 1,743,931 as per the 2011 census.
• The town has experienced rapid urbanization, leading to the incorporation of several surrounding villages into its jurisdiction. This expansion has created challenges in governance under the existing administrative structure, necessitating a more robust framework for urban management.
• The HMDA aims to address these challenges by providing a comprehensive approach to urban planning and development, ensuring that the growth of Hisar is sustainable, balanced, and conducive to a high quality of life for its residents.

Objectives of the HMDA

The primary objectives of the HMDA include:

• Integrated Urban Planning: The HMDA seeks to develop a cohesive vision for the Hisar Metropolitan Area, focusing on sustainable growth and the provision of essential urban amenities.
• Infrastructure Development: The authority will prioritize the development of infrastructure to support the growing population and economic activities in the region.
• Mobility Management: A key focus will be on improving mobility within the metropolitan area, addressing traffic congestion, and enhancing public transport systems.
• Environmental Sustainability: The HMDA aims to implement measures that promote sustainable management of the urban environment, ensuring that development does not compromise ecological integrity.
• Social and Economic Development: The authority will work towards generating employment opportunities and fostering social and industrial development in the region.
• Decentralized Governance: By empowering local authorities and establishing residents’ advisory councils, the HMDA aims to enhance community participation in urban governance and decision-making processes.

Key provisions of the HMDA Bill

The HMDA Bill outlines several critical provisions that define the structure and functions of the authority:

• Establishment of the HMDA: Section 3 empowers the state government to declare any area within the controlled area of Hisar district as a notified HMDA area. This includes regions under the jurisdiction of local authorities such as the Municipal Corporation of Hisar and relevant Panchayats.
• Authority structure: The HMDA will be a body corporate with perpetual succession, comprising key stakeholders, including the Chief Minister of Haryana as the Chairperson, various ministers, Members of Parliament, Members of the Haryana Legislative Assembly, and the Mayor of the Municipal Corporation of Hisar.
• Delegation of powers: Section 8 allows the HMDA to delegate powers to an executive committee, facilitating efficient decision-making and operational management.
• Mobility Management Plan: The Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of the HMDA, in consultation with local authorities, will prepare a mobility management plan that includes infrastructure development measures, such as road improvements and construction.
• City bus service: Section 22 permits the HMDA to operate a city bus service, enhancing public transportation options for residents.
• Taxation powers: The HMDA will have the authority to levy taxes on property, land, and buildings within the notified area, providing a revenue stream to support its initiatives.