After preparing a master plan for cities with populations over one lakh, the government is now set to develop a master plan for 63 towns with populations between 50,000 and one lakh. Once implemented, these towns will have building maps approved based on land use, similar to metropolitan areas. This will help curb arbitrary construction practices. High-level agreement has been reached within the housing department regarding this initiative.
The Chief Minister has emphasized the planned development of small towns, similar to larger cities, and the establishment of building construction standards. In line with this, the housing department is set to prepare building construction and development regulations. These regulations will be implemented in all cities without development authorities, specifically in municipalities and town councils. In the first phase, a master plan is being prepared for 59 cities under the Amrit Scheme, which is nearing completion. In the second phase, plans are underway to prepare a master plan for 63 additional towns. Once the plans are ready, building permits and map approvals will be granted based on these regulations.
Curbing Unplanned Expansion
The lack of building standards in small towns has led to illegal construction becoming a significant issue, resulting in unplanned urban expansion. Without the implementation of model development regulations, people are constructing buildings arbitrarily. Residential and commercial buildings constructed in violation of standards, particularly on land adjacent to roads, are increasing risks. In response, preparations are underway to implement these regulations.
Current Approval Process for Maps
In cities without development authorities, maps are currently approved according to the regulations of the municipal boards. This process does not consider land use or Floor Area Ratio (FAR), leading to significant irregularities in approving large maps.
