Bhopal urban master plan development

The Supreme Court of India granted the state government permission to publish a draft for the Bhopal Master Plan, resolving a delay of approximately 21 years since the previous plan expired in 2005. During the proceedings, the Court criticized the Bhopal Municipal Corporation for ineffective enforcement of sealing orders against commercial activities in residential areas.

Following this judicial clearance, the administration released the draft for the Bhopal Master Plan 2047 for public feedback. Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav stated the plan aims to balance economic growth with the preservation of natural heritage, such as forest areas and tiger safari zones. The draft includes a proposed growth corridor covering approximately 3,000 hectares and introduces Green Transferable Development Rights (TDR) to compensate landowners in green zones.

The draft plan is designed to guide development for an estimated population of 4.5 million across an area of 1,016.90 square kilometers, including 254 villages. Key features include a 51-kilometer growth corridor intended to promote IT, Artificial Intelligence, data centers, and logistics. The administration also proposes increasing the city’s green cover from 16% to 27%, with specific protections for Bhojtal, forests, and tiger safari areas. Additional initiatives include the development of an EKAI (Education, Knowledge, and AI) City in Bhouri and the implementation of digital twin technology for real-time monitoring.

The plan has sparked political debate. While the BJP defended the draft as a vision that respects natural resources and Supreme Court directives, the Congress party criticized it, claiming the plan fails to address long-standing issues and could push the city’s development back by 20 years. The government continues to invite citizen suggestions, objections, and claims.