Plot thickens as deadline nears: Does Bhopal draft master plan’s math on land growth add up?

Bhopal: How much land will Bhopal need by 2047 — and are the calculations behind that requirement consistent? A citizen’s objection to the city’s draft master plan has flagged a mismatch in population density figures that could have significant implications for its future urban expansion.

The numbers tell an interesting story. The draft calculates a requirement of 16,000 hectares to accommodate an additional 20 lakh people, using a density of 125 persons per hectare.

After accounting for 5,252.36 hectares stated to be available, the additional land requirement comes to 10,747.64 hectares. But elsewhere, the draft cites a residential density of 90.47 persons per hectare.

A box on the same page gives a different figure — 94.7. The objection, submitted ahead of the Oct 25 deadline for public suggestions, says the figures need to be reconciled and the methodology explained, said National institute of governance and urban management, former director, Prof HM Mishra.

He also compares the proposed density with the 125–175 persons per hectare range cited in the Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines for large cities in plain areas. The question is whether the draft adequately explains how these geographical constraints translate into its overall land requirement and URDPFI guidelines for a city of Bhopal’s population and size, he added.

The submission also flags a proposal to develop around 30,000 hectares over the next 21 years, seeking clarity on how this figure aligns with projected population growth, existing developed land and the calculated additional requirement.“With the plan shaping Bhopal’s growth until 2047, the discrepancy raises a fundamental question, is the city preparing for its projected population using a consistent set of assumptions? he added. The objection seeks a consolidated statement reconciling population projections, density standards, available land and future development requirements before the plan is finalised.

You Can Also Check: Gold Rate in Bhopal | Silver Rate in Bhopal | Bank Holidays in Bhopal | Public Holidays in Bhopal | Petrol Price in Bhopal | Diesel Price in Bhopal | CNG Price in Bhopal | LPG Price in Bhopal Stay updated with the latest Bhopal news.