Bhopal, Aug 13 (IANS) Madhya Pradesh Congress president Jitu Patwari on Thursday wrote to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav seeking a time‑bound policy to address the action against commercial establishments operating in residential areas of Bhopal, saying traders and residents should not be penalised for years of urban planning delays.
The letter comes amid action by the Bhopal Municipal Corporation following Supreme Court directions on commercial activities being run in residential areas. The civic body has reportedly issued around 1,800 notices to establishments, affecting small businesses and families that have operated from such locations for years.
Patwari said the Supreme Court’s directions must be followed but questioned the government’s responsibility in allowing commercial activities to continue for years. He pointed out that several establishments had paid taxes or obtained licences and permissions from government agencies during this period.
“Compliance with the Supreme Court’s order and finding a solution to the government’s planning‑related failure are two separate issues,” Patwari wrote in his letter.
He noted that Bhopal was still operating under the 2005 development plan and that only two plans, 1991 and 2005, had been approved after 1975. He said the government returned the draft Bhopal Development Plan‑2031 in February 2024 and questioned the delay in finalising its revised version.
According to Patwari, Bhopal’s urban requirements have changed substantially since the 2005 plan, with growth in population, traffic, housing, employment, education, healthcare and commercial activities. He demanded that the government make the Development Plan‑2031 public and announce a deadline for its implementation.
He also sought a GIS‑based survey of the city’s existing land use to classify properties as residential, commercial, mixed‑use or other categories.
Patwari proposed a policy for businesses that have operated for years after paying taxes or obtaining government permissions, including relocation, regularisation or reclassification wherever legally possible.
He called for clearly defined mixed land‑use zones on suitable roads and corridors and affordable commercial areas for small traders affected by the ongoing action.
He urged public hearings in affected areas and an integrated digital planning system involving the municipal corporation, town and country planning authorities, Bhopal Development Authority and other agencies.
“Sealing versus business or residents versus traders is not the solution. The solution is for the government to accept its planning responsibility and build a capital where safe housing, organised markets and scientific urban infrastructure coexist,” Patwari said.
He also demanded a white paper detailing the preparation and delay of the 2005 plan and Development Plan‑2031 and called for mandatory review of development plans every five years.
Patwari warned that similar problems could emerge in Indore, Jabalpur, Gwalior and other cities, and urged the state government to prepare a comprehensive urban planning policy for Madhya Pradesh.
–IANS
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