Parl panel recommends "vertical growth" in cities like Delhi

Date : Dec 19, 2014

New Delhi: Recommending vertical growth as the way forward for cities like Delhi, a Parliamentary panel has expressed disappointment that despite the creation of numerous master plans, no Indian city has managed to stay ahead of the urbanisation curve.

In its report which was presented in Lok Sabha Thursday, the Standing Committee on Urban Development headed by BJD MP Pinaki Misra, said that though urban development is a subject assigned to states, the Urban Development Ministry should hand hold and implement its plans to develop smart cities and work for renewal of 500 cities.

The panel recommended for vertical development in Delhi and other cities because there is scarcity of land.

The Committee observed that all major India cities have been creating 'Master Plans' every 10-20 years that are supposed to anticipate how the city's population and boundaries might grow, and what needs to be done.

"But the Committee are distressed to note that there is no example of large Indian cities that have managed to stay ahead of the urbanisation curve and cope with the growth over the past two decades. More so, despite these master plans, there is a sharp decline in the quality of life of urban residents over the last few decades," the panel said.

The Centre, the Committee said is taking huge initiatives in terms of development of 100 smart cities, and urban renewal of 500 cities and recommended the Urban Development Ministry to expedite the mission and help make all cities livable in a sustainable manner.

The Committee favoured citizen participation in terms of taking decision for the vision of the city under the government's 'Smart City' project.

It also recommended that the government should finalise the norms related to Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and ground coverage for residential plots in Lutyens Delhi.

The Committee had received a representation from former MPs Jai Prakash Agarwal and Naveen Jindal, the President and Secretary respectively of the Lutyen's Bungalow Zone Residents Welfare association, regarding the request for increase in FAR in Lutyen bungalows zone.

"It appears that on 26.11.14, the Central government has
enhanced Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and ground coverage for residential plots measuring 1000 sq m and above in Delhi, except for Zone D whose plan is still at a draft stage," the panel said in its report.

Noting that the plan for Zone D has been under consideration of the government for a considerable period of time, it asked that the plan should be finalised at the earliest and suggestions made by the Lutyen's Bungalow Zone Residents Welfare Association, as stated in their representation, be considered favourably.

The Committee also recommended that the quick decisions should be taken by states and the National Capital Region Planning Board (NCRPB) to ensure unrestricted travel in the region. The panel also recommended that the Regional Rapid Transit system (RRTS) projects should be taken up expeditiously.

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