Bhopal Master Plan 2047 Faces Massive Opposition As 2,000 Objections Filed In One Day, Total Reaches 3,800

Bhopal's draft Master Plan 2047 has encountered significant resistance on Thursday, with the Joint Residents Struggle Committee lodging approximately 2,000 objections during a single day at the Town and Country Planning office. This brings the total number of objections to around 3,800, as various residents, farmers, and stakeholders contest several aspects of the proposed plan. The committee emphasized the need for transparent discussions and resolution of concerns prior to finalizing the blueprint.

Farmers from Mugalia Chhap expressed concerns that agricultural land in 66 villages could be adversely affected by the proposed land-use designations. Meanwhile, merchants plan to gather at the T&CP office in Vitthal Market at 10.30 am on Friday to present joint objections and recommendations, aiming to evaluate the plan's potential repercussions on commerce. Residents oppose commercial activities within residential zones.

Vivek Tripathi, a resident, questioned Clause 15.38, which permits the regularization of non-residential activities in residential spaces. The Arera Colony Rehwasi Sangh requested the removal of the Market Street provision under Clause 15.39 and protection of the residential character of the RG-3 area in Arera Colony. Tripathi also voiced worries about construction and floor area ratio (FAR) provisions impacting the Upper Lake catchment, green zones, and elephant migration routes.

Residents emphasized the necessity of preserving footpaths, service roads, parking lots, parks, and open areas as outlined in approved layouts.

Residents of Misrod contested a proposed 45-meter-wide road traversing an elderly settlement near Khasra No. 205, arguing that the project might affect homes, families, temples, and public institutions. They also called for the safeguarding of ancient peepal and banyan trees and a technical survey of alternate routes that would inconvenience fewer residents. The residents' committee threatened to take legal action if their grievances were not addressed.

Farmers from Mugalia Chhap fretted over the potential loss of farmland in 66 villages due to the classification of agricultural land under riverfront, forest, green belt, and other reserved categories. After being blocked by police at Neelbad, they staged a sit-in and demanded a one-month extension to submit their objections. BJP MLA Rameshwar Sharma mentioned that the farmers' objections had been forwarded to the T&CP and the collector, with efforts to discuss the matters at a meeting, aiming to ensure decisions aligned with the farmers' interests.

Assistant Director Indu Tripathi of the T&CP confirmed that objections had been invited within the allotted 30-day window and that stakeholders would be called for hearings. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav, alongside the State BJP President, visited accident victims at AIIMS Bhopal.