This project is funded by Brigade Group. The project attempts to provide a comprehensive and comparative assessment of urban conditions and drivers of urban change in the largest 10 cities of Karnataka (Bangalore, Mysore, Hubli-Dharwad, Belgaum, Gulbarga, Mangalore, Davanagere, Bellary, Shimoga and Bijapur) as a pilot. The study establishes key indicators for monitoring and evaluating Karnataka’s cities, through which cities can communicate experiences and share best practices in the delivery of urban services, policy development, and data management. To the extent possible, all indicators measure policy outcomes and the database allow comparisons among cities. Data was gathered regarding the following aspects and indicators:

• City economy
• Economic base, Income and Investment flows, Residential, commercial and industrial buildings
• Urban poverty (Slums)
• Finances
• Revenues, Tax collections, Capital expenditures
• Physical infrastructure
• Roads, Street lights, Transport, Banking
• Social infrastructure
• Education and Health
• Basic services
• Water supply, Solid waste, Electricity, Sanitation
• Human development
• IMR, MMR, Literacy rate
• Law and order
• IPC cases, Road accidents, Police stations and Police strength
• Quality of life
• Air quality, water quality, Parks, Temperature differences (Global warming) and vehicle congestion

Preliminary findings from the 10 cities were presented to Brigade on February 4th, 2010 at a meeting which was attended by top policy-makers of the state. Currently the report is being revised and written for submission.

It is likely that the project will be extended to an additional 5 cities in the state since additional funds from Brigade are forthcoming.