| Introduction: What is the meaning of a Master Plan? Body: What role does it play in the governance of ULB? Conclusion: Way forward. |
Recently, at the G20 meeting, there was a discussion around the role of master plans as an instrument of governance for urban local bodies in India. A master plan is an instrument of urban local bodies (ULBs) governance recommended by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for the improved governance of cities.
Does the master plan play a crucial role in the governance of ULB?
- The master plan is time specific: Master plan as a concept originally came in the 1950s as the basis for town planning. While the plan served as providing a framework for urban development it neglected issues of environmental protection. Governments think of master plans as one-step solutions to urban problems while master plans regularly need improvements and upgradation.
- Inconvenience: Cities based on master plan development in India like Delhi suffer multiple difficulties like flooding, pollution, traffic, and so forth.
- Absence of master plans: A recent report by NITI Ayog titled Reforms in Urban Planning Capability in Indiaclaims that master plans are absent in 65 percent of the 7,933 recognized urban entities.
- Spatial Plan: Since master plans are spatial plans with excessive focus on maps, byelaws, and development control regulations the new project demands are being imposed on bureaucrats as there is a shortage of qualified urban planners.
- The ideology of the ruling party: Development in India is a long-term strategy that involves political continuity & is significantly influenced by the dominant political party. Each political party has its ideology and set of guiding ideas. Any time the government changes, the attitude, programs, policies, and plans for urban development also change.
Way Forward:
- Qualified experts: Highly professional urban planners and professionals with academics in urban planning must be hired to spot shortfalls in Urban Governance and suggest remedies.
- National Spatial Planning Act: India should be prepared to go for scientific land use planning particularly in Urban Settlements according to the new National Spatial Planning Act.
- Cooperative federalism: There is a need for cooperation between states and Central Government in policy-making related to urban governance and innovative new ideas according to practices prevailing in Indian cities. The Central Government must work with states on schemes like Gati Shakti and Model Rural Transformation Acts for reimaging the spatial planning framework in India.
- NITI Aayog: NITI Aayog should spearhead the mission of transforming urban governance with a special focus on the spatial (town) planning profession and education.
