‘Don’t need NCR board nod for master plan’

In a startling revelation, the Directorate of Town and Country Planning, Haryana, has brazenly stated in reply to an RTI plea, that “no consent or prior approval is required from NCR Planning Board (NCRPB) for finalising the Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex-2031 in the state.” Sanjeev K Ahuja reports.

In a startling revelation, the Directorate of Town and Country Planning (DTCP), Haryana, has brazenly stated in reply to an RTI plea, that “no consent or prior approval is required from NCR Planning Board (NCRPB) for finalising the Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex-2031 in the state.”

HT Image

In reply to an RTI application filed by a Gurgaon resident, the DTCP said that the draft development plan was sent to NCRPB “for information” on September 6 last year on which no suggestion/objection was received.

The Haryana government had notified the final Development Plan of the Gurgaon-Manesar Urban Complex (also known as the Gurgaon master plan) for a projected population of 42.5 lakh and a total urban area of 32,988 hectares on November 16.

On the other hand, while appearing in the Supreme Court in connection with a petition filed by an NGO, the NCRPB on Thursday said the Haryana government had not sought its approval on the master plan which was not in conformity with the board’s Regional Plan 2021.

An RTI application was moved by Gurgaon resident and RTI activist Aseem Takyar on November 18 last year in the DTCP office.

Takyar had also sought information on why the department had not posted objections filed against the master plan on its official website.

In the reply he received on February 21, the DTCP stated that objections received against the plan had been listed in a register which comprised of 42 pages.

“Presently, there is no provision to provide objections/suggestions received on the development plan on the website of the department,” the reply stated.

It further added, “No consent or prior approval is required from the NCRPB for finalising development plans. However, the draft development plan was sent to the board on September 6, 2012 on which no suggestion/objection was received.”

However, NCRPB informed the apex court on Thursday that all NCR states have to ensure that their respective sub-regional plan was in compliance with the one prepared by the board.