Maharashtra govt scraps Development Plan, asks MCGM to prepare fresh one

Mumbai, April 21: Maharashtra Government on Tuesday scrapped the controversial Development Plan (DP) 2034, which had come under attack from heritage buffs and conservators.

Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis directed Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) to prepare a fresh plan within four months in place of the earlier one which drew criticism from various quarters that it has been ridden with flaws and showed little concern for the heritage structures of the city dating back to colonial days.

Addressing a press conference after a cabinet meeting here, Fadnavis said the government has directed the civic body to rework on the DP and rectify the mistakes.

"The DP in its present form was not acceptable due to the mistakes that were seen in it," he said.

The MCGM's proposed DP 2034 has sparked sharp responses from citizens and activists opposing the plan in its present format with the civic body, also known as BMC, calling for suggestions, feedbacks and objections from stakeholders.

Fadnavis said the committee headed by Chief Secretary was asked to suggest whether to give a two-month extension to the existing DP for inviting suggestions and objections or ask the BMC to make a new DP and republish it.

"The cabinet has decided to accept the recommendation of the committee to ask the BMC to prepare a fresh DP in four months by rectifying all mistakes in the present one and republish it in four months.

After the DP is prepared, BMC has also been directed to seek suggestions and objections," he said.

Heritage enthusiasts welcomed the Government decision calling it a welcome step which will help preservation of heritage structures.

PTI