MPD 2021: a way forward to accelerate city development

New Delhi, Apr 5 (UNI) Delhi Development Authority Vice Chairman Dinesh Rai said the Delhi Master Plan 2021 is a starting point for developing a specific vision for the future of the city.

Speaking on a panel discussion on the master plan organised by confederation of Indian Industry yesterday, he said the plan was a policy document that would address issues at the zonal and local levels providing direction on urban development.

Outlining the master plan, Mr Rai said strategies for coordinating and leveraging city development on different fronts -- economic, educational, cultural, sports and environmental -- had been incorporated.

Indian Express Editor-in-Chief Shekhar Gupta said having a Master Plan is better than not having one.

''The challenge is that we are urbanising faster than we are able to develop the cities. We have got to ensure maximum growth of cities so that they are in a better position to absorb the urbanising citizen.'' The panel discussion focused on planning, developmental issues and functional approach towards creating the vision of Delhi as an international city.

It was suggested that the master plan should focus on moving towards the hi-tech era by providing more facilities to the community as a whole be it working women, students, service sector or elderly people.

The master plan should be projected on the basis of the assessment of basic needs, while maintaining and preserving the cultural ethos of the national capital.

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