Delhi Master Plan to be revised next year: Kamal Nath

NEW DELHI: The Master Plan of Delhi-2021, implemented in 2007, is going to be revised next year taking into account the possible urban growth in future and the "ground reality", including the fate of markets existing in the capital for several years.

"The process for changes in Master Plan of Delhi is already on as there are provisions in the MPD to review it after five years. My view is that MPD should take into considerations the ground reality before the finalisation," Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath said, while inaugurating the first automated car park here.

The MPD-2021 was implemented in February 2007. Nath said there are markets which are existing since long which cannot be done away with in the Master Plan.

"Those markets which are existing since last 40 or 50 years... it is wrong for any Master Plan to describe that these markets cannot exist," he said.

Besides, the National Capital Territory of Delhi Laws (Special provision) Act, known as Delhi Special Laws, is also to be extended next year to prevent demolition of several residential and commercial establishments in the capital.

Referring to the Delhi Special Laws, he said, "The government would extend it further."

Delhi Special Laws enacted in 2008, was extended in 2009, 2010 and 2011.

Slamming the present MPD, the minister said, "If the Master Plan had been correctly made then those illegal constructions in the last 50 years would not have been there".

"Drawing the Master Plan in the office is different from the ground reality," Nath added.