Bhopal Master Plan 2047: Thousands of Objections Raised, Residents Demand Halt to Regularization of Illegal Constructions

Mass Protests Against Bhopal Master Plan 2047

Citizens of Bhopal have mobilized against the draft of the Bhopal Master Plan 2047. Led by the Joint Residents' Struggle Committee, thousands of citizens have submitted their objections at the Town and Country Planning (TNCP) office. Residents are strongly demanding the preservation of the original character of residential areas, a ban on the regularization of illegal commercial activities, and the resolution of contradictions within the draft plan.

Their primary concerns revolve around the conservation of the city's lakes, forests, wildlife, and the environment. Citizens from various areas of the city, including Arera Colony, Gautam Nagar, Rohit Nagar, Rachna Nagar, Bawadia, Saket Nagar, BHEL, Kotra, Lalghati, Shakti Nagar, Shahpura, and Kolar Road, have collectively raised their voices. Prominent figures participating in this protest include former IAS officers Kavindra Kiyawat and Arun Gurtu, petitioner Vivek Tripathi, and Lavnish Bhatti, along with heads of various local organizations.

Strong Objections to Regularizing Illegal Constructions

Petitioner Vivek Tripathi specifically pointed to clause 15.38 of the Bhopal Development Plan 2047, stating that it proposes the regularization of illegal commercial activities operating within residential complexes, which he believes is a complete violation of the Hon'ble Supreme Court's orders. According to Tripathi, the Supreme Court has explicitly ordered the sealing of such commercial activities and the demolition of constructions made in violation of approved maps.

He alleged that such provisions in the Master Plan appear to encourage land mafias and those who violate the law. The regularization of illegal commercial activities in areas like Arera Colony and provisions for 'Market Streets' have been described as a serious threat to residential peace, traffic, parking, greenery, and citizen safety. Concerns were also raised about technical and linguistic flaws in the draft, including blurry copies and issues with accessing documents in both languages.

Demand for Environmental Protection and Legal Compliance

Residents have demanded the removal of provisions related to the regularization of illegal commercial activities from Chapter 15.38 of the Master Plan draft. They also stressed the need for clear rules by resolving contradictions concerning the definition of RG-3 and mixed land use. Furthermore, they have called for the development of footpaths, parking, and essential road facilities in accordance with Indian Roads Congress standards, the preservation of parks and open spaces as per approved layouts, and a reconsideration of construction-related provisions that could harm the environment in the catchment area of the Upper Lake, green belts, and tiger movement zones.

Residents believe that Bhopal's development should prioritize environmental protection, the right to life for citizens, and adherence to the law, rather than imposing additional commercial pressure on residential areas. The lack of a concrete plan for flyovers and major routes, considering future traffic needs, was also highlighted as a significant deficiency.

Existential Threat and Alternative Suggestions

The construction of the Western Bypass, permission for construction in the catchment area of the Upper Lake, green belts, and tiger movement zones, and proposals for increasing the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) have been termed as steps towards destruction rather than development for Bhopal. The committee warned that these proposals could put Bhopal's existence at risk by 2047.

As an alternative, the committee suggested expanding and promoting commercial activities to the additional Metro Region area under the Metro Region Plan, thereby reducing pressure on the city's residential areas and ensuring development in line with the capital's dignity. The committee demands that all objections be transparently considered before finalizing the Master Plan 2047, with environmental and water resource conservation being a priority, and action taken against illegal constructions as per court orders instead of regularization.

They also stated that if their demands are not addressed, they will present this serious matter before the Hon'ble Supreme Court.