Bihar Chief Secretary makes geo-spatial approval mandatory for DPRs of infra projects above ₹50 crore

Bihar's recent directive making geo-spatial approval mandatory for Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) of infrastructure projects exceeding ₹50 crore marks a significant stride in enhancing governance and project management within the state. This administrative reform, spearheaded by the Chief Secretary, aims to integrate advanced geo-spatial technology into the very initial planning stages of large-scale infrastructure projects, thereby proactively addressing potential hurdles.

Historically, infrastructure projects in India, and particularly in states like Bihar, have been plagued by a myriad of challenges leading to significant delays and cost overruns. These challenges often stem from inadequate planning, land acquisition issues, environmental clearances, technical discrepancies, and administrative bottlenecks. Projects frequently commence without a comprehensive understanding of the ground realities, leading to disputes, redesigns, and legal battles during execution. The lack of accurate, real-time data at the planning stage has been a major contributor to these inefficiencies, impacting everything from road construction to irrigation projects and urban development.

What precisely happened is that the Bihar Chief Secretary issued a clear mandate instructing all state departments to incorporate geo-spatial inputs at the planning stage itself for any infrastructure project with an estimated cost exceeding ₹50 crore. This means that before a DPR is finalized and approved, it must include comprehensive geo-spatial data, such as satellite imagery, topographical maps, land records, and environmental impact assessments, to identify and mitigate potential technical, administrative, and land-related obstacles. This proactive approach is designed to ensure that projects are viable from the outset, minimizing surprises and disruptions later on.

Several key stakeholders are involved in this policy shift. Foremost is the **Bihar State Government**, particularly the Chief Secretary's office and various line departments like Public Works, Rural Development, Water Resources, Urban Development, and Revenue, which are responsible for project conceptualization and execution. **Project Implementing Agencies**, whether state-owned corporations or private contractors, will need to adapt their planning processes to integrate geo-spatial data. The **citizens and public** are indirect but crucial stakeholders; they are the ultimate beneficiaries of efficient infrastructure, but also those potentially affected by land acquisition or environmental changes. Lastly, **geo-spatial technology providers and experts** will play an increasingly vital role in supplying the necessary data, tools, and analytical capabilities.

This initiative holds immense significance for India. It aligns perfectly with the national vision of 'Digital India' and 'Good Governance.' By adopting geo-spatial technology, Bihar is moving towards data-driven decision-making, which promises greater transparency, accountability, and efficiency in public spending. Economically, faster project completion and reduced cost overruns will free up resources, allowing for more projects to be undertaken and contributing to higher economic growth. Improved infrastructure, such as better roads, reliable water supply, and modern urban facilities, directly enhances the state's economic competitiveness and improves the quality of life for its citizens. Socially, it means timely delivery of public services and fewer disruptions caused by stalled projects. Critically, it addresses the persistent issue of land management. Accurate geo-spatial data can streamline the land acquisition process, reduce disputes, and ensure fair compensation, which is a major bottleneck as highlighted by the **Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 (LARR Act, 2013)**.

From a historical perspective, the push for integrated planning and technology adoption in infrastructure is not new. The central government's **PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan**, launched in 2021, is a prime example of a multi-modal connectivity platform utilizing geo-spatial technology for integrated planning and synchronized implementation of infrastructure projects across various ministries. Bihar's move can be seen as a state-level manifestation and adoption of this broader national strategy, demonstrating a commitment to modernizing project execution. The constitutional framework for such initiatives largely falls under the **State List** of the **Seventh Schedule**, where entries like 'Works, lands and buildings vested in or in possession of the State' (Entry 35), 'Communications' (Entry 13), 'Water' (Entry 17), and 'Land' (Entry 18) empower state governments to legislate and implement policies related to infrastructure. Furthermore, the principles of e-Governance, often linked to **Article 243W** and **Article 243G** concerning the powers and responsibilities of Municipalities and Panchayats, encourage the use of technology for effective local governance and service delivery.

Looking ahead, the future implications are substantial. If successfully implemented, Bihar's model could serve as a blueprint for other states grappling with similar project execution challenges, fostering a nationwide shift towards smarter infrastructure development. It could significantly improve Bihar's 'Ease of Doing Business' ranking by demonstrating a more predictable and efficient environment for project execution. However, challenges remain, including the need for robust geo-spatial data infrastructure, training of government personnel in GIS technologies, ensuring data accuracy and security, and overcoming potential resistance to change from traditional administrative practices. Nevertheless, this mandate represents a progressive step towards leveraging technology for better governance and sustainable infrastructure development in India.