New CDP takes shape

Bangalore Forward
The Times of India

As the Comprehensive Development Plan, which will chart Bangalore's growth in the coming years takes shape, BT asks the experts what its focus should be

The Comprehensive Development Plan (CDP) for Bangalore is currently under review and the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA) will soon throw it open to the public for suggestions and objections. Urban planners and activists have firm views on what they want included in the plan and the direction this burgeoning city should move in the coming years.

Town planning

Urban planner George Kuruvilla asks, "There are three alternatives to the aspect of town planning:

* Does the BDA want to make high-rise/high density settlements like in Singapore? The money that comes in through real estate taxes and sales tax can be used for infrastructure.

* Do they want to have mid-rise/ high density buildings (as in Washington DC or Paris) where the floor area ratio allows for row houses and/or mid-rise apartments?

* Or do they want to have low rise/plotted development as it exists at present? Low density settlements imply a waste of land, which we can't afford anymore, because it means too much infrastructure for too few houses."

He adds, "My opinion is that the revised CDP should allow for vertically mixed-use buildings -- like an office or commercial area below and a residence above. This also means a decrease in commuting.

Satellite towns

Architect Palamadai M Rajagopalan says, "There should be a programme for decongestion of the city, both medium and long-term in the CDP. It must address options like a satellite city as well as upgrading cities or towns in the vicinity of Bangalore. Mumbai was, perhaps, as large or a little larger than Bangalore when Navi Mumbai was conceived nearly four decades ago. The upgrading of Thane near Mumbai was as important to Mumbai as any development within Mumbai.

Waterbodies

Urban planner S Vishwanath says, "Tanks and water bodies must be identified. As also the channels that link them."

Zoning

Swati Ramanathan of Janaagraha raises several questions. "Does the growth show equitable distribution for all? Regarding the individual area development plan, does zoning provide for parks, playgrounds and shopping nearby? Is connectivity within the city factored in?"

People power

S Vishwanath says what's critical is that it must be a consultative and participatory process, with people's suggestions incorporated at the framing stage itself -- not merely allowing citizens to respond to it when it's in a near-finalised stage. Swati Ramanathan agrees, "The citizen's voice must be heard. The whole exercise cannot be tokenistic; because, ultimately, the authorities are not required by law to take the suggestions given. You may be left even more frustrated for having responded at all."

BDA speak

BDA commissioner MN Vidyashankar says the draft of the revised CDP has incorporated many of these recommendations, and has been sent to the government. Once the draft is returned, it will be thrown open to the public for suggestions. "If necessary, we will keep the plan open for 45 or even 60 days, to ensure a better dialogue. The CDP is for the people, after all," he assures.