The Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to revolutionise its Transferable Development Rights (TDR) management by integrating blockchain technology. Moving away from error-prone manual processes, the new system will use blockchain to digitise TDRs, enhance transparency, and prevent fraud. The initiative will also extend to digital issuance of various certificates and licences. Key features include automated smart contracts, a public verification portal, and a comprehensive audit trail. Additionally, Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and e-signatures will streamline document processing and approvals, ensuring a secure and efficient system.
The management of Transferable Development Rights (TDR) by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to undergo a transformation through the adoption of blockchain technology. The traditional manual procedures for handling TDR, such as issuing Development Rights Certificates (DRCs) and managing the physical debiting and crediting of TDR, are being replaced with a blockchain-integrated system. This change aims to improve accuracy, transparency, and security in the management process, reducing the risks associated with manual handling and ensuring a more efficient system. Transferable Development Rights (TDR) enable property owners to transfer the development potential of a plot to a different area of the city, measured in Floor Space Index (FSI) and square metres.
Beyond TDR management, the AMC plans to implement blockchain technology for issuing various certificates and licences, including birth, death, and marriage certificates, shop licences, disability certificates, tax receipts, and fire No Objection Certificates (NOCs). The new system will digitise TDR parcels on the blockchain across four key categories: slum redevelopment projects, heritage sites, public housing, and road widening, streamlining the entire process of creating, transferring, and consuming TDRs.
One of the significant advantages of this initiative is automation, as smart contracts will automatically issue TDR certificates, record each issuance on the blockchain, and facilitate the transfer of TDR between parties securely. With every TDR transaction being immutable on the blockchain, the system significantly reduces the risk of fraud or manipulation, ensuring a secure and automated process for TDR issuance and tracking. Additionally, a blockchain-based TDR marketplace will serve various stakeholders involved in real estate projects and transactions, and a verification system will be in place to authenticate the validity of TDR certificates, enhancing transparency and trust among all participants.
The TDR marketplace will also include a digital dashboard supported by a document management system (DMS) to digitise and securely store all relevant documents and facilitate easy access and enhanced security for stakeholders. Optical Character Recognition (OCR) technology will be employed to convert physical records into searchable digital formats, and e-signature integration will streamline the approval process for TDR documents, ensuring efficiency and security.
The TDR transfer process will feature a comprehensive audit trail to ensure transparency and accountability, complemented by a public verification portal for TDR certificates. AMC administrators will have access to a dashboard for real-time transaction monitoring and data analytics, ensuring efficient tracking and management.
In conclusion, the adoption of blockchain technology by the Ahmedabad Municipal Corporation represents a significant step towards modernising TDR management and other municipal services, promising enhanced accuracy, transparency, and security. The integration of smart contracts, OCR, and e-signatures will facilitate efficient operations, reduce fraud, and ensure the effective processing of TDRs and various certificates. This initiative not only simplifies the management of development rights but also paves the way for future digital advancements in municipal governance, ultimately benefiting developers, property owners, and the wider community.