Delhi Sealing : Delhi Master Plan-2021: Remaking the city
Delhi Master Plan-2021, that is in the offing, makes a pompous entry after it was notified by the Cabinet. The plan envisages a great picture of Delhi metropolis and how it turns and transforms has raised the interest of the public.
MORE OR LESS and like the genes that carry essential information of how a particular organism will grow and develop, we give you – the Delhi Master Plan-2021. Delhi Master Plan-2021 or DMP-2021 is the blue print that covers an aggregate of policies that will be followed in due course for the sustainable development in the national capital, Delhi. The original document of Delhi Master Plan was drafted towards the end of the year 2005 and was discussed a year later, amidst the growing resentment of traders after the sealing drive. It was notified late on Wednesday, February 7 and is yet to go through Supreme Court’s scrutiny.
The plan has been drafted keeping into consideration key issues in the state, some of which include – the need for accommodating growing population, comprehensive regional planning, controlled growth in the city in conformity with the equitable growth of economic, social, cultural and ecological parameters, an efficient transport system and controlled commercialization.
The projected population in Delhi for 2021 has been estimated to be 2.3 crores. The plan proposes the accommodation of 1.53 crores as per redevelopment in existing residential areas, which will be brought out by increasing the population-holding capacity. For that matter the plan backs up the removal of height restrictions in commercial areas, allotting 27,000 more hectares for urban development and regularizing some 1500 unauthorized colonies to accommodate the remaining numbers. But for the time being the status of some racy colonies like Anant Ram Diary, Sainik Farms and Mahendru Enclave is on hold. Moreover, some measures have been inculcated to encourage group housing and private sector participation. Under group housing people can pool in their resources and jointly construct a multi storied housing complex. However, the block over which building is to be erected should be at least 3000 square metres.
Under DMP-2021 the urban limits are to be extended and also the gradual shift of population towards NCR regions is to be encouraged. Key commercial areas including Connaught Place, Karol Bagh and the walled city will be further developed as major attractions in the city. Other than that, priorities have been given for developing district centres, community centres and local shopping centres. It takes into account the mixed land use and will support the shops on the ground floor, commercial activities on streets and areas designated to them and will permit about ten categories of professionals to operate from the residential areas. It will further sustain some primary institutions like clinics, banks, schools, nursing homes, etc.
One more reason to be contented about DMP-2021 is because of the claim to clean up Yamuna and help the traffic by building infrastructure in harmony with the escalating needs. Yamuna Action Plan will take care of the challenges that lie as hurdles in the efficient sewage system. Other than that the regions that face or lie close to MRTS will be specially treated so as to help the provisions for a better transport system in the capital.
So far so good, but the timing and the emphasis on commercialization entails some doubts. Congress, which has a bitter reputation in the capital after sealing drive, appears to be pulling out its trump card and just before the municipal elections that are scheduled to take place in March. Will it return the white fur to the black sheep, erase the haunting memories of the traders who were out in the streets defending the territory, will it return the quite sleep and the dreams that 30 lakh people in this city aspire for?
One more thing, the public has to be wary as how and where the resources are being utilized. Otherwise we may need to modify the plan soon, meaning yet more wastage of resources and efforts.