Bhopal Master Plan 2047 Expands Planning Area, Offers No Blanket Relief To Traders Facing Sealing

Bhopal's proposed Development Plan 2047 aims to significantly expand the city's planning area, increasing it from 601.06 square kilometers in the 2005 plan to a staggering 1,016.90 square kilometers. The draft also introduces a more detailed framework for mixed-use and commercial development. However, the expansion may not provide a complete solution to traders facing the Bhopal Municipal Corporation's (BMC) sealing action.

Professor Krishna Kumar Dhote of MANIT's Department of Architecture and Planning stated that the draft does not offer blanket regularization to existing commercial establishments under threat of BMC's sealing. The BMC has identified around 62,500 establishments for scrutiny, issuing notices to 8,084 merchants. Around 190 businesses have already closed voluntarily or faced action due to the sealing.

The previous plan, implemented in 1995, covered only the BMC area and 146 adjoining villages. The new draft substantially broadens the planning horizon, incorporating a larger network of development zones. Key changes in land use include residential areas growing from 11,850 hectares to 26,755.50 hectares, commercial areas expanding from 893 hectares to 1,348.97 hectares, industrial zones increasing from 2,195 hectares to 2,137.25 hectares, public and semi-public zones expanding to 4,887.97 hectares, transportation zones increasing to 5,793.82 hectares, green areas growing to 16,489.94 hectares, and a new mixed-use zone of 2,448.84 hectares.

However, it is important to note that mixed-use does not necessarily translate to blanket commercialization. The draft provides road-width-based permissions for commercial and mixed-use activities, though residential plots on approved layouts in approved layouts will retain their residential status. For traders facing BMC's sealing action, this means that land-use classification, road width, and the status of their individual plot will remain relevant factors.

Kaushlendra Vikram Singh, director of T&CP, clarified that the plan seeks to balance development with environmental protection while considering residents' interests. The draft explicitly states that mixed land use does not permit unrestricted commercial activity. Roads of 24 meters or more will be designated for limited commercial use, while roads narrower than 12 meters and internal residential areas will remain protected.

Key provisions for established areas have been crafted to maintain their existing character and connectivity, all the while allowing Bhopal to grow in a planned and sustainable manner. The Bhopal Master Plan 2047 draft has been released for a 1,016.9 square kilometer area, with a focus on sustainable and economic development, along with construction of a 51 kilometer growth corridor.