Bhopal Master Plan 2047 draft released for urban development

The Madhya Pradesh government has released the draft for the Bhopal Development Plan 2047, a long-awaited master plan designed to accommodate an estimated population of 4.5 million. The plan covers an investment area of 1,016.90 square kilometers, including 254 villages.

Key features include a 51-kilometer growth corridor intended to boost IT, artificial intelligence, logistics, and corporate sectors. The plan also proposes the development of an Education, Knowledge, and Artificial Intelligence (EKAI) City in the Bhouri area. To balance urban expansion with environmental protection, the draft aims to increase the city's green cover from 16% to 27%, with specific provisions to conserve Bhojtal, forests, and tiger movement areas.

The announcement has drawn political debate. Chief Minister Mohan Yadav described the plan as a vital step toward a prosperous and sustainable city. Conversely, members of the Congress party have criticized the government, alleging that the draft was only released following Supreme Court intervention and questioning the timing and implementation of the plan.