Urban News

The second volume of the master plan has seven main chapters — major observations from the studies and analysis, brief outline of development concepts and strategies, proposed land use, urban environment of Kochi, identity and character as part of urban design, conservation of natural and manmade heritage and implementation plan.

Lack of vision

The draft plan, which was unveiled in a hurry before the local body polls, is yet to be notified. Though the master plan touches some of the development aspects for the city, lack of vision is evident in each page.  Claiming specific flaws with the Kochi draft master plan, Kochi 2031, people from all walks of life had raised objections. They are unanimous in their opinion about the lack of vision and feel that this could spoil the purpose of the plan. The critics also alleged that in the preparation of the plan the suggestions from citizens and experts were not taken.

Public participation

Experienced town planners pointed out that it is important to see how the mechanism for public participatory process evolves to reflect the aspirations of the citizen in the formulation of urban development plans or perspective plans.

The draft plan places itself as ‘a set of guidelines’ and intends to be responsive as a ‘living document’ to the natural forces within the participatory planning mechanism.

Experts said that many primary institutional mechanisms that are needed for effective development plan preparation through public participation are still not in place, the lack of which could create roadblocks in the plan delivery.

To be continued