DDA: Master Plan For Delhi-2021

Introduction

Indian Lives in its villages, but modern India lives in its cities. These cities are the hubs of growth to which the people from all regions get attracted for new career opportunities, or in a belief of getting a better life leaving the slavery and poverty of standstill rural areas. Any country that has undergone the change to an economically developed nation has experienced clearly increased urbanization too, with cities rising as centers of trade, manufacturing, and advanced service providers. Our country “India” is no different. With an ever-expanding economy and an excellent rise in the share of services in the national income, India is undergoing urbanization as never before. Today, Mumbai is the largest Indian city and the 3rd largest urban area in the world with a population of about 20 million. The National Capital Region of Delhi (NCR) is the 6th largest urban area in the world with a population of about 16.5 million people. Cities of such a huge size, having a population of over 10 million people are categorized as ‘Mega Cities’.

But with the increase of such large urban areas also comes with the managing obstacle to assure good quality of life for its residents. The presence of such vast numbers of people densely crowded into small regions points to ever-increasing loads on the resources available in the cities. Housing, waste management, slums, transportation, have appeared as some of the most critical problems in urban areas along with the overall issue of effective utilization of land. To implement a complete development plan for the city with a forward-looking approach, Urban Planning comes to the power to deal with such problems. The city may, therefore, get divided into administrative and uses based zones with separate plans for the same along with an all-encompassing master plan for the city as a whole.

This blog tries to explain these issues focusing on the document of the Master Plan for Delhi until the year 2021 (MPD 2021). There has been an absence of complete study on this major policy document until now and at present, there is no research work available on the Master Plan. This work becomes more challenging due to the extensive public protests and controversies that these plans seem to generate. There is a huge Urban Planning uncertainty here. On the one hand, citizens are protesting against the demolition drive launched by the Delhi Municipal Corporation against illegal constructions whereas, under other conditions, the implementing agencies and judicial bodies are incompetent who are worried about the task of assuring the implementation of the current provisions of the master plan. The city is demanding a change in the stringent land-use policy and needs an earnest revision and making of a new Master Plan. So far the new master plan is not without its lapses.

ANALYSIS OF Delhi MASTER PLAN 2021 (MPD 2021)

Definition of a master plan by DDA:

“A Master Plan is a long term outlook design for guiding the feasible planned development of the city. This document describes the planning guidelines, policies, development code, and space requirements for various socio-economic actions maintaining the city population during the plan period. It is also the base of all infrastructure demands”.

There have been two previous master plans in the city. 1st Master Plan was formed in 1962 to ensure planned and structured growth. 2nd Master Plan was revised in 1982 to express the Delhi Master Plan 2001 and re-revised in 2007 to form Master Plan 2021.

DDA: Master Plan For Delhi 2021

Delhi Master Plan 2021 has been made to implement regulations for development and building activity in Delhi. 

Delhi, the administrative capital of India, is considering world-class city among the best cities in the world. The city plays an important role in national governance, business, culture, education, and sports in India.

Planning for physical infrastructure, transport, ecology and environment, housing, socio-cultural and other institutional facilities is important in developing Delhi as a world-class city. This requires a coordinated and unified approach amongst various agencies associated with urban services and development along with a participatory planning process at regional levels.

VISION For Delhi Master Plan 2021

The vision of Delhi Master Plan 2021 is to change Delhi into a global metropolis and a world-class city, where all the people would be involved in productive work with a quality life. This will, amongst other things, require:

• Planning and action to match the challenge of population growth and in-migration into Delhi
• Supplying sufficient housing, especially for the weaker sections of the society
• Approaching the problems of small businesses/companies, particularly in the unorganized mixed sector
• Taking care of the problem of slums, up-gradation of old and dilapidated/old areas of the city
• Plan of sufficient infrastructure services
• Protection of the environment
• Safety of Delhi’s heritage and combining it with the new and complex modern models of development and
• Making all this within a framework of continual development, public-private and citizenry participation, and a sense of ownership and a sense of belonging among its citizens.

Major Highlights of the Delhi Master Plan 2021

The Master Plan includes various modifications/changes for the development of the National

Capital of India, Delhi. A significant change has been visualized in the current land policy and encouraging public-private partnerships together with the planned development of new areas. A major focus has been on encouraging the recycling of old, dilapidated areas for their renovation. The Plan marks a mechanism for the restructuring of the city based on mass transport. The overview plans of physical infrastructure made by the concerned service agencies should help in better coordination and enlargement of the Services. The Master Plan reflects vision and policy guidelines for the perspective period up to

2021. It is suggested that the Plan be analyzed/reviewed at 5-yearly intervals to maintain pace with the fast-changing demands/necessities of the society.

The following critical areas have been the focal points of the Plan:

Land Policy

The land policy would be based on the maximum usage of available resources, both, public and private in land assembly, development, and housing.

Public Participation and Plan Implementation

Disperse local area planning by the participatory way; Performance-oriented planning and development, with a focus on implementation and monitoring.

Redevelopment: Incentivised redevelopment with additional FAR has been envisaged as a major element of city development covering all the areas;

Planned Areas: Influence Zone along with MRTS and Major Transport Corridor; underutilized/low-density areas; Special Area; shopping/commercial centers; Industrial areas/clusters and resettlement colonies. Unplanned Areas: Villages; unauthorized colonies and JJ Clusters.

Shelter

Shift from plotted housing to group housing for maximum usage of land; Private sector participation for development/redevelopment of housing; Removing additional controls (such as  height) for maximum usage of land and to Promote the development of ‘signature’ projects. Increase of ground coverage, FAR and height for all categories of residential plots

Housing for poor

In-situ slum reconstruction, including using land as a resource for private sector participation; In order to stop the growth of slums, the necessary provision of EWS housing/slum Reconstruction in all group housing to the range of 15% of permissible FAR or 35% of residential units on the plot, whichever is higher. Housing for urban poor to the range of 50-55% of the total; Recategorization of housing types, development control norms, and differential densities to make EWS /LIG housing reasonable and inexpensive.

Environment

Special importance on the protection of the Hill. Renewal of River Yamuna through a number of steps including assuring sufficient flow in the river by the discharge of water by neighboring states, refurbishment of trunk gutters/sewers, operation of drains, sewering of unsewered areas, treatment of industrial waste, recycling of treated waste, and removal of coliforms at STPs. The requirement of long areas/recreational areas and green belt to the range of 15 to 20% of land use. Multipurpose grounds: A special category for marriages/public functions.

Unauthorized Colonies

Illegal colonies, which are to be regularised as per government policy, should be efficiently included in the mainstream of urban development. This needs the provision of infrastructure development, services, and facilities for which differential measures and systems have been framed.

Mixed-Use

To match the growing demand for commercial activities and succeed shortage of available commercial space, an improved plan of Mixed-use in residential areas has been chosen adhering to the requirements of the environment, while achieving better teamwork between workplace, residence, and transportation. 2183 streets have been notified by the GNCTD for Local commercial and mixed-use activities. Small shops of daily needs have been allowed on the ground floor, in residential areas.

Trade & Commerce

District & Community Centres are suggested to be developed as facility corridors along with major transport networks to limit the casual and unplanned development and for better teamwork between public transport and work centers. Development of Multicultural Freight Complexes/Wholesale Markets at the urban fringe. Necessary outlines for service and repair activities. Common shops, weekly markets, handicrafts bazaars, used books/furniture/building materials bazaars to be developed. Increase of FAR.

Informal Sector

The natural and organized sector is a major source of employment in the economic framework of the city for which the following proposal is suggested: Tagging of ‘Hawking’ and ‘No Hawking’ Zones at neighborhood and cluster levels. The weekly markets to be identified and developed. New areas for ordinary trade to be developed and combined with housing, commercial, institutional and industrial areas. Provision of common basic services like toilets, water points, etc. Systematizing designs of stalls, push-carts, and mobile vans. Engagement of NGOs considered.

Industry

Environment as a major concern and listing of banned industries. Up-gradation of existing industries including non-conforming industrial centers. Special plans for service and repair centers. Addition of new activities like IT industry, etc. Increase of FAR.

Conservation of Heritage

Identification of heritage zones and archaeological parks. Development of Special Conservation plans for registered buildings and areas.

Transportation

Unified Metro Transport Authority The teamwork between land-use and transport A new parking system including private sector development of parking facilities, An increase in norms for parking space, multi-level parking, and underground parking. Integrated multimodal public transport system to lessen dependency on personalized vehicles. Road and rail-based mass transport system to be a major mode of public transport, Maximum usage of the existing road network, and development of missing links. Reestablishment of existing networks through expressways, elevated roads, arterial roads, distributor roads, and diversion roads. Plan for starting cycle tracks, pedestrian and disabled friendly features in arterial and sub-arterial roads.

Health Infrastructure

Health facilities recommended achieving norms of 5 beds/1000 population Increase of FAR for hospitals and other health facilities. Nursing Homes, clinics, etc. also allowed under informal Mixed-Use norms.

Educational Facilities

Rationalization of planning norms with the improved floor area. Locating new school sites next to parks/playgrounds. Plan for vocational and other educational facilities. Schools and training centers for mentally/physically challenged with differential development norms

Disaster Management

Disaster Management center gave in each administrative zone. Building regulations for the safety of buildings as per seismic zone. Land Use zoning as per microzonation.

Provision of Sports Facilities

Plans for sports infrastructure for local, national, and international events. Incentives granted for sports facilities and swimming pools in schools, clubs, and group housing.

Focus on Infrastructure Development

Overview plans for water, power, drainage & Solid Waste Management of service agencies as a part of MPD-2021. Alternative sources of energy and new technology. The plan delivers importance on energy conservation, efficiency, and exploring alternative sources of energy. Sensible standards of water supply for equal distribution.

POPULATION

The population task defined in the Regional Plan-2021 for the National Capital Region (NCR) and National Capital Territory of Delhi (NCTD) is mentioned below:

Population Assignment – 2021

Area	Population (In Lakh)
NCR	641.38
NCTD	220-230

Source: NCR 2021 Plan

POPULATION ESTIMATES AT 5-YEAR PERIODS

The population estimates for NCTD at 5-year periods are given in the following table:

Five Yearly Estimates of Projected Population
Year	Population (In Lakh)
2001	138
2006	162
2011	182
2016	199
2021	230

Source: Census of India and projections by DDA Sub-Group (MPD- 2021)

DELHI URBAN AREA-2021

In 2001, about 702 sq.km. of the area was considered to have been built up, accommodating about 138 lakh population. To accommodate the proposed population of 230 lakh by the year 2021, a 3-pronged strategy is suggested:

• To encourage the population to diverge in the NCR towns;
• To boost the population holding capacity of the area within existing urban limits through redevelopment; and
• Expansion of the present urban limits to the size necessary.

POPULATION HOLDING CAPACITY OF DELHI

The area within the existing urbanisable limits of Delhi Urban Area-2001 consists of the planning zones A to H and the Dwarka, Rohini, Narela Sub-city projects. The population holding capacity of A to H zones is to be improved through a redevelopment plan and revised development norms. This will be related to:

1. Residential development types and their capacity for higher consumption.
2. Redensification of housing areas developed at lower densities and near selected divisions of the Metro corridor.
3. Redevelopment areas should be identified by the concerned agencies and 
4. Special Redevelopment Schemes should be prepared with regard thereto for implementation within a specified time frame.
5. Employment areas
6. Development and rationalization of infrastructure – physical and social.
7. Increase in transportation network capacity.

The holding potential of Dwarka, Rohini Phase III, IV & V, and Narela is meant to be improved through:

1. Early and full usage of the planned areas and,
2. Implementation of the schemes under planning stages.

Existing residential areas may give a potential to house about 153 lakh population ultimately i.e. 114 lakh in Zones A to H and 39 lakh in Dwarka, Rohini, Phase-III, IV & V, and Narela.

Zone Wise Estimated Holding Capacity of Existing Urban Area:

Zone	Holding Capacity MPD 2001	Existing Population 2001	Holding Capacity 2021
A	420	570	570
B	630	624	630
C	751	679	788
D	755	587	813
E	1789	2798	2800
F	1278	1717	1975
G	1490	1629	1955
H	1865	1226	1865
Sub Total	8978	9830	11400
Dwarka		597	1300
Rohini III		96	160
Rohini IV & V		198	820
Narela		179	1620
Sub Total	3222	1070	3900
Grand Total	122 lakh	109 lakh	153 lakh

Note: Population figures are only broad planning guidelines.

The remaining population for the year 2021 will have to be adjusted in the planned new urban extensions.

URBAN EXTENSION

Out of the remaining 77 lakh (230-153 lakh) population, 29 lakh already exists in villages, census towns, unauthorized colonies and JJ clusters in the present rural areas. Since about 48 lakh further population is to be housed in the future urban extensions. Land in the Urban Extension is recommended to be broadly shared in different land uses in the following manner as shown in Table.

Land use Distribution

Land Use	% of Land
Residential	45-55
Commercial	4-5
Industrial	4-5
Green/Recreational*	15-20
Public & Semi-Public Facilities	8-10
Circulation	10-12

*This does not include green areas within the various gross land use categories.

As per Delhi Master Plan 2021, on average the space needed per person would be 40 sq.m.,  comprising about 920 sq.km. of urban area for the projected population of 230 lakh in the year 2021.

Amendments in MPD-2021

Enhancement of FAR

In February 2018, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved amendments to Master Plan 2021, including a uniform Floor Area Ratio (FAR) for both residential and commercial plots where the basement of a flat would be permitted for commercial or professional activities.

Other service professionals like IT professionals, real estate agents, matrimonial services, etc., have also been permitted as part of permissible uses under mixed-use.

Conversion Charges

The uncertainty regarding the annual payment of use conversion charges for the indefinite period has been revised.

In November 2019, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has approved modifications in the Master Plan for Delhi 2021 pertaining to household/service industries. As per the proposal under which household industrial unit with a maximum of 9-workers and 11KW power operating in residential areas and new industrial units will not need to take necessary statutory approvals from the labor and industries department or the Delhi Pollution Control Board with the condition that polluting industrial units will be permitted as a household industry.

Additionally, the proposal to change the mode of disposal of institutional category plots from leasehold to freehold basis was also approved.

The change of land use for developing eco-parks was also approved.

To make Delhi greener and pollution-free, the authority approved a final proposal to change the land use of 64.22 acres of land located in ash disposal area of Badarpur Thermal Power Plant, New Delhi from manufacturing to recreational

Land Use Regulation

Land-use planning is an attempt to plan land uses such that the requirements of one does not interfere with the other. For example, commercial establishments usually operate until late at night and if permitted in residential zones will tend to disturb the tranquility and pollution levels of the environment. Since the sealing activities caused major uproar and outrage, the DDA came up with some amendments in the Master Plan, 2021in order to provide relief to the traders and local shopkeepers of the city. Major amendments in the MPD,2021 are as follows:-

1. No area falling under residential land use shall allow for the opening of liquor shops, pubs, discotheques, and clubs on any floor of buildings in the city.
2. Another important proposed amendment is bringing a uniform floor-area ratio (FAR) for shop-cum-residence plots and complexes at par with residential plots. The commercial use of the upper storey is allowed after paying the applicable conversion charges.
3. Post amendments, activities that are non-polluting, non-hazardous, and not prohibited by law shall be permitted in residential areas.

In September 2019, the Delhi Development Authority (DDA) has proposed amendment in the Master Plan of Delhi 2021under which banks lockers, if part of an existing bank, will be allowed in the basements of its premises.

The authority also approved a proposal for modification in the development control norms under which training Centre for yoga, spiritual activities, and meditation, museum or art gallery or exhibition center, auditorium, accommodation for preachers, devotees or management staff, canteen, restaurant, langar hall or community kitchen, and bank extension counter, ATM facility or prayer halls are allowed in religious plots at sub-city level.

Data Sources: DDA Website