BDA master plan sees code of conduct hurdle

The Election code of conduct has put the brakes on Master Plan - 2031 for Bengaluru city.

To ensure that the master plan is completed and ready for implementation, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) has written to the state government and to the Election Commission seeking a go-ahead to form the committee and invite public opinion for another month.

The letter was written in the first week of April. The authority is yet to get a reply, said a BDA official who did not want to be named.

“We have asked the state government and the EC to give us permission to go ahead and form the committee. It is only after getting permission can we form a committee and extend the time by another month to seek public opinion,” he said.

When the final master plan was placed before the government, the government told the BDA to take another month, clear all objections and revise the final master plan. The government felt that all suggestions made by citizens were not included. The BDA was also directed to form a committee to oversee the whole exercise and finalise the master plan. It is only after the clearance is obtained, can the committee be formed. BDA will again have to notify calling for a public opinion.

“People's opinions are still pouring in, but until we get a clearance from the government and the election commission, we cannot include people’s feedback. This is the first time elections are delaying the master plan. Last time, it was confusion among officials and citizens following which due procedures were not followed and the master plan was finalised haphazardly. Seems like history will repeat itself this time too. Once the new government comes, the master plan will be sealed and signed without a thorough view and correction,” feared the official.

He said the master plan was crucial for the city especially when the Kempegowda Layout is being formed, the outer ring road is being improved and when there is a rapid and unplanned growth of the city outskirts.