Mumbai: In the wake of strong objections from heritage buffs and conservators, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis on Tuesday scrapped the controversial proposed draft of Mumbai’s Development Plan 2034.
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, Fadnavis said the government has directed the civic body to rework on the DP and rectify the mistakes.
“We have decided to scrap the proposed Development Plan as there were a number of complaints and objections against the DP Plan. The Committee headed by Chief Secretary Swadhin Kshatriya also found many mistakes and flaws in the DP and based on the report of the committee the state has decided to scrap this DP.” Fadnavis 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.
“We have asked the BMC to reformulate the new Development Plan for Mumbai and submit it within four months,” he added.
Heritage enthusiasts welcomed the Government decision calling it a welcome step which will help preservation of heritage structures.
The decision was greeted with cheers on social media.
“Scrapping up of the contentious #DP2034 is a victory of all those people who raised an alarm and acted to save the city from planned ruin,” tweeted Ashwini Priolker.
Film stars Aamir Khan, Salman Khan and Farhan Akhtar were among those who last month joined Maharashtra Navnirman Sena chief Raj Thackeray in opposing the plan.
Aamir Khan had pointed out that Mumbai’s Aarey Colony – which has over 2,000 hectares of green cover – was listed in the plan not as a forest but as a growth centre.
“The Development Plan is a noose around the neck. It is up to you if you want to cut the rope. If the agitation has to come on the streets, we will bring it on the streets,” renowned lyricist Javed Akhtar had said.