DDA master plan promises to change Delhi’s face by 2041

Delhi Development Authority has put its Draft Master Plan for Delhi-2041 in the public domain for inviting objections and suggestions from the public for 45 days. The vision for MPD-2041 is to “Foster a Sustainable, Liveable and Vibrant Delhi by 2041”. “The government has increased the focus on urban development by embarking upon a comprehensive programme for planned urban development in 2014, designed to bring about a transformative change in the lives of people with inclusive, participative and sustainable approach”. The draft master plan envisions a more “sustainable, liveable, safe and inclusive capital with housing for all and better economic opportunities”.

Apart from boosting the economy, the draft plans measures to tackle air, water, and noise pollution, as well as measures like ‘refuge points’ and self-sustained isolated residential areas to deal with pandemics.

“High built densities, poor quality and age of built stock further increases the vulnerability. The COVID-19 pandemic brought into focus the need to create self-contained and mixed-use areas with decentralised infrastructure”. The master plan is a roadmap for the future development of the city. It assesses the present condition of the city and works as a guideline to achieve the desired development. The 2041 plan looks at the development of new housing in the peripheral areas thanks to land pooling and green development initiatives, while also focusing on urban regeneration and densification in the city centre and around transit corridors with rental and small format housing. A more pragmatic land use of existing industrial areas is planned, with thrust on service sector, IT, tourism and hospitality.

The plan recognises cultural hotspots such as Shahjahanabad, the Central Vista and India Gate lawns, Connaught Place, Hauz Khas and Mehrauli as places of intense public activity, attracting locals as well as tourists. Other specific hubs with a concentration of socio-cultural activities shall be identified (for example Mandi House, Lodhi Institutional Area and Art precinct, Dilli Haat, Dastakaar Haats, etc.). Efforts will be made to improve the interaction of spaces with people in these areas.