Mumbai DP: You read, they’ll learn and make Mumbai a better city

Citizen groups and experts from across Mumbai are joining hands to ensure more people read and scrutinise the civic body’s draft development plan before April 25, the last date for submission of feedback and objections.

Citizen groups and experts from across Mumbai are joining hands to ensure more people read and scrutinise the civic body’s draft development plan — the document which will decide the course of the city’s growth and development over the next 20 years — before April 25, the last date for submission of feedback and objections.

Most groups have divided the areas amongst themselves. For instance, the G-North ward federation has taken up the responsibility of studying the plans for their ward that covers areas like Shivaji Park, Mahim and Prabhadevi. “We have divided the ward among a few of us. Each member has been a given specific area to study,” said Ashok Rawat, chairperson of the federation.

Rawat said the members will look for errors in mapping the existing spaces as well for the proposed amenity spaces.

NAGAR, another not- forprofit working for civic issues, is looking at ways to activate its member base across the city.

Planning experts, too, are extending help and support to the local citizen bodi es. Hamara Shehar Vikas Niyojan, an umbrella group of various organisations that focuses on an inclusive DP, has stepped in.

Aravind Unni, member of YUVA and HSVN, said the group is ready to simplify the DP for the local groups.

“We will be glad to assist citizens in understanding and participating in the planning process. It is imperative that citizens participate, as both the plan and its implementation hinges on their participation,” said Unni.

The group plans to hold meetings across the city in the coming few weeks to garner more participation.

The Urban Design Research Institute, too, has offered to make presentations to help citizens make sense of the DP.

“We are ready to come down and address meetings of citizen groups in different localities. It is of utmost importance that people realise the significance of this exercise and participate actively in it,” said UDRI executive director Pankaj Joshi.