3-year-wait ends, civic body submits DP to state govt

Mumbai: While the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has submitted its Revised Draft Development Plan (RDDP) 2034 to the state government, it has taken nearly three years to complete the process.

The draft Development Plan (DP) 2014-34, which will be the blueprint for the city’s land use over the next two decades, was finally passed in the BMC civic house around 12.50 am on August 1. Corporators across political parties made around 267 amendments to the plan pertaining to reservations for day care centres, children’s park, another central park and a museum. However, the controversial issue of reservation for Metro car shed in Aarey Colony was put to a vote and was rejected.

The draft DP has gone through a lengthy revision process since it was first unveiled in February 2015. After that, the BMC invited suggestions/objections to the plan for two months. However, several non-governmental organisations (NGO) and activists criticised many key aspects of the plan including proposal of high Floor Space Index (FSI) of up to 8 near crowded transit hubs such as railway stations. Eventually the BMC revised the plan and released it in May last year. The plan has since then again gone through a process of public suggestions and objections, following which it was brought before the BMC house for a final nod.

“The DP 2014-34 has been sent to sent to the state government for the final nod. After receiving it, the BMC will start implementing it,” said a senior civic official.