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.

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:

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.

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.