New Delhi, Aug 13 (PTI) The Delhi Congress on Thursday raised concerns over the city’s infrastructure being able to cope with the development envisaged under the Master Plan 2047 and said its thrust on higher-density construction must be matched by expansion of basic civic services.
The Master Plan, which is a long-term blueprint for the national capital, was approved by the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) on Wednesday, setting the broad framework for Delhi’s land use and physical development. Delhi Congress president Devender Yadav said increasing the Floor Area Ratio (FAR) and allowing additional residential floors without simultaneously upgrading water, sewerage, drainage, power and road infrastructure could further burden the city’s already stressed civic systems.
“Delhi needs planned development, but increasing construction density without strengthening the infrastructure that supports it will put additional pressure on already strained civic services,” Yadav said.
He said the plan should address the city’s existing deficiencies, including inadequate water supply, outdated sewer and water pipelines, poor drainage, traffic congestion, pollution and declining green cover.
Yadav also raised concerns over older urban and rural pockets that have experienced rapid population growth but remain inadequately integrated with formal municipal services.
“Any increase in density has to be supported by adequate water supply, sewage, drainage, roads, power and parking facilities,” he claimed.
The DDA approved the Master Plan at a meeting chaired by Lieutenant Governor Taranjit Singh Sandhu. It will now be sent to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs for final approval and notification, according to an official statement.
The 2047 plan extends the horizon of the earlier proposed Master Plan 2041, which had remained pending with the Centre for more than three years.
Sandhu, who is also the DDA chairperson, said the plan would align Delhi’s long-term development with the Centre’s “Viksit Bharat@2047” vision.
The Congress has also questioned the manner in which the 2047 plan was brought forward. Delhi Congress leader Mukesh Sharma said the authorities should have sought fresh public suggestions before extending the planning horizon from 2041 to 2047.
He also questioned the basis for preparing a plan without the availability of data from the 2026 Census.
“The public must be given sufficient time and opportunity to submit suggestions on Master Plan 2047,” Sharma said.
The Master Plan for Delhi is revised periodically to account for changes in population, land use, infrastructure requirements and development patterns.
The existing Master Plan 2021 was notified in 2007, while the proposed 2041 plan had been awaiting approval at the Centre.
The 2047 plan will come into force after approval and notification by the Union government. PTI MSJ PRK
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