‘This plan will enhance the quality of life in the city…’

‘This plan will enhance the quality of life in the city…’
The much-awaited Comprehensive Development Plan for the city – Master Plan 2015 – was released recently. The plan envisages another dimension to the city. The Central Business District will see some rejuvenation. A higher floor area ratio now available here will create more space and taller buildings. M K Shankaralinge Gowda, Chairman and Commissioner, Bangalore Development Authority, throws some light on the essence of this plan, in a chat with B S Manu Rao


What does Master Plan 2015 hold for the city?
Firstly, additional space will be available with the higher floor area ratio and consequent vertical development. The formation of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike (BBMP) with the new areas needed some planning for streamlining growth. These areas will now have bigger access roads, better sanitation, and all civic amenities. These areas will see better planning that will improve the quality of life for people living there.
Will this plan change the character of the city forever? What about the exclusive residential localities?
Around 55 percent of the people in the city are less than 25 years of age. They need employment opportunities. This is possible when industrial activity is encouraged. We are keen on encouraging 'clean' industrial activity. That is, the knowledge industry and apparel sector, for example. This sort of industrial activity will be located in segregated areas meant for commercial development. Bangalore will continue to be the major contributor of GDP to the State.
No city can remain residential in character. It is difficult to have exclusive residential areas. This is possible only within gated communities. Commercial activity is a necessity. We will therefore have controlled commercial activity in residential areas.
Will high rises make it difficult to provide civic amenities in areas with higher floor area ratios?
The demand for civic amenities remains the same in the city. It is easier to provide them in high density areas, and more economical, than in sprawling layouts. For example, it is easier to supply water to seven high rise structures accommodating a certain number of people than to 70 places spread out over a large area accommodating the same number of people. There is a need for bigger roads. This is being contemplated. The BBMP is planning to widen 83 roads. We will allow higher floor area ratios on these roads. We are also promoting the concept of a central park of 500 acres rather than small parks all over. Road-side plantation can be avoided, but trees are needed with the increasing number of vehicles contributing to higher pollution levels. This plan provides for trees by making it mandatory to have one tree in every 60x40 feet site and two in every 50x80 site in the new areas.
What's in it for more space for the IT sector?
For the IT sector, 1,000 acres have been earmarked in the western part of the city. This will provide employment to two lakh people. In all the new areas of the city, such 'clean' industries will be promoted.
How dynamic is the plan?
This plan is good enough till 2020. The authorities concerned need to make amendments if needed at intervals. It can be evaluated again after five years. It is flexible and factors in development needs. People should stick to the rules prescribed here. This plan will enhance the quality of life in the city.