Delhi Master Plan 2041

Context:

The Delhi Master Plan 2041 was given the nod by Delhi Development Authority. It will be implemented after suggestions and objections from public.

Background

The master plan is a document that provides a vision for the city in the future. It is developed by the landowning agency of any city.

Details Delhi Master Plan 2041

• The plan will provide recommendations and analysis regarding the city based on factors such as housing, economy, population, land use, community facilities etc.

• Delhi’s current Master Plan expires in 2021 and the new plans will be valid for the next 20 years looking at the current conditions.

• Considering the amount of migrant population, the new plan will work towards incentivizing the rent economy including paying of parking spaces.

• The Master Plan will be able fulfill various provisions of Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) like:

• SDG 6- Clean water and sanitation.
• SDG 11- Sustainable cities and communities.
• SDG 14- Life below water.
• SDG 15- Life on land.

Tackling environment pollution

• To reduce vehicular pollution, it will recommend switching to greener alternatives as well as public transportation.

• It also tries to address the quality of water from Yamuna river, along with other sources such as wells, lakes, ponds, drains etc.

Difference from 2021 plan

• It will aim at developing more open areas for green developments and habitat development. There is also emphasis on decentralised work spaces.

• Efforts are made to improve the night-time economy by organizing cultural festivals, sports, retail stores, facilities etc. There are also plans for night-life tour.

Challenges

• Lack of access to basic services of water and sanitation and other facilities.
  • Other issues included legality of some of the properties, narrow access roads, congestion, conflicts between commercial and residential uses, quality of drinking water and water logging.
  • Vulnerability and risks related to disasters such as fire, earthquakes, etc.
  • Lack of coordination between multiplicity of agencies like DDA, Delhi Jal Board, Flood and Irrigation Department, and various municipal corporations.

Way Forward

• The challenge of multiplicity of agencies needs to be dealt with by the government. This will increase coordination and cooperation among these agencies.
• There must be a strict adherence to plans for cleaning of water bodies and drains which has been a challenge for agencies in Delhi for years. Dumping of waste in the Yamuna river also needs to be strictly regulated.