Planners push for higher FAR, simpler byelaws in Delhi

NEW DELHI: DDA has received over 4,300 suggestions from the public for the mid-term review of Master Plan 2021. It received almost 50 more from field experts and decision makers on Monday. The highlights were proposals for speeding up preparation of local area plans, pushing for transit-oriented development and higher FAR for bigger plots.

A number of experts from environment, heritage, housing , transport and mobility participated in a workshop for review of Master Plan 2021. Four sessions were held with field experts and DDA VC S K Srivastava called for all expert comments to be given to DDA in writing so that they could be acted upon.

O P Jain, advisor at INTACH, suggested revisiting the heritage chapter in the master plan after the enactment of the amended ASI Act of 2010. Sonali Bhagwati, a member of DUAC, meanwhile said that building bylaws had to be made people-friendly. Paromita Roy, senior consultant with UTTIPEC, spoke about the need for improved mobility.

"Removing boundary walls will be a huge boon for pedestrians, and roadside hawkers are very good for safety purpose . They should be integrated with mobility because pedestrians feel safer walking on a road with hawkers," she said. Joint commissioner (traffic) Satyendra Garg said that while reviewing the master plan, one has to keep traffic management in mind and frame rules accordingly.

Other major suggestions include preparation and implementation of local area plans based on 3D studies which should be time-bound and should address issues like site-specific development control norms.