Bhopal Residents Rally Against Master Plan 2047, Raise Environmental Concerns

Bhopal, October 22 (Daily Kiran) : Residents of Bhopal have voiced significant concerns regarding the ‘Draft Master Plan 2047,’ filing thousands of objections related to proposed construction in sensitive areas. Their worries center on the upper lake catchment area, green zones, and tiger movement corridors, emphasizing the need to preserve the city’s ecological balance.

Led by the Joint Residents Struggle Committee, locals submitted their objections to the Town and Country Planning (TNCP) office last Thursday. They urged that amendments be made to the draft before it is finalized.

Critics allege that certain provisions in the draft could legitimize unauthorized commercial activities in residential areas and facilitate construction in environmentally sensitive zones. Vivek Tripathi, a petitioner, expressed that the proposed constructions in the upper lake catchment and green spaces could severely impact Bhopal’s environment.

He stated, “The development plan for Bhopal should focus on water conservation, but the current proposals threaten the city’s water bodies and green areas.” The committee referenced research conducted by T.V. Ramachandra from the Indian Institute of Science in Bengaluru, highlighting the detrimental effects of urbanization on green spaces, lakes, and wetlands.

The committee believes Bhopal should learn from Bengaluru’s experiences to ensure future development protects natural resources. Residents also opposed sections 15.38 and 15.39 of the draft, arguing that these could allow commercial activities in residential complexes and promote commercialization through the proposed ‘Market Street’ concept.

Concerns were raised that such provisions could alter the character of established residential areas, particularly in the Aarey Colony, leading to increased traffic congestion, parking issues, and pollution. The committee stressed that the master plan should not be used to legitimize illegal constructions or benefit influential individuals under the guise of civic amenities.

Residents called for the preservation of the residential nature of RG-3 areas, especially from E-1 to E-5 in Aarey Colony. They also demanded the protection of parks and open spaces as per the approved layout, along with the development of footpaths, service roads, and parking facilities following the recommendations of the Indian Roads Congress.

The committee urged the planning department to transparently address all objections and provide residents an opportunity to voice their concerns before finalizing the plan. They emphasized that environmental protection, water resources, and the right of citizens to live peacefully should be prioritized in development projects.

Additionally, they warned that if their concerns are not addressed, petitioners may raise the issue in the Supreme Court during the next hearing.