The proposal for the development plan (DP) of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation (NMMC) has been submitted to the state government for approval, marking the completion of the process after nearly 33 years since the establishment of the NMMC and the initiation of its development blueprint.

The draft development plan of the NMMC was published on August 10, 2022, under section 26 (1) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966. A total of 16,194 suggestions and objections have been received within the stipulated period as per the published draft development plan.

In accordance with the received suggestions and objections, the Planning Committee, formed by the government, has submitted its report to the Municipal Commissioner, Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation, for further action, which was submitted on February 16, 2024.

Based on the recommendations of the Planning Committee, necessary changes have been proposed in the draft development plan, and approval has been granted by the government under section 28(4) of the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning Act, 1966.

The proposed changes include adjustments in reserved lands, distribution of plots allotted by CIDCO, and reconsideration of reservations based on the feedback received from citizens. The list of proposed changes has been published in newspapers and the government gazette. Additionally, the revised map indicating the changes is also available for public viewing at the municipal office.

A total of 625 reservations were proposed in the draft development plan. After considering the recommendations made by the Planning Committee and necessary adjustments, a total of 537 reservations are now proposed in the revised development plan.

Key Changes Proposed in the Draft Development Plan:

- Inclusion of undeveloped areas within the jurisdiction of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation in the micro-planning phase for areas such as Airoli, Digha, Ulwe, Borivali and Adaiwali, aimed at reserving lands necessary for road networks and public amenities essential for development.

 - Revision of regulations and incentives in the approval and development control regulations for sports facilities in Navi Mumbai city, with recommendations to amend the coordinates for playgrounds within 0.5 hectares in designated areas.

- Reconstruction of schools and playgrounds affected due to development, with provisions for alterations in the development plan to facilitate reconstruction and development as per the recommendations of the Planning Committee.

- Proposal for the reorganization of public amenities in condominiums developed by CIDCO due to constraints in reconstruction caused by the presence of roads and other public utilities.

- Recommendations for open area concessions for necessary roads and spaces in developed buildings, as per regulations 3, 4, 1 of the development control regulations. Additionally, other changes have been proposed for various other concessions.

- Proposal for independent crematoriums/cemeteries for animal burials in Nerul MIDC area after the death of pet animals, making Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation the only municipal corporation to provide such facilities.

- Proposal for road widening as per the new regulations in buildings redeveloped by CIDCO, with necessary changes proposed in the development plan to accommodate road widening.

- Comparison of the current development plan with the proposed draft development plan, considering water bodies, tree belts, power corridors as indicated in the current and revised nodal maps provided by CIDCO, resulting in changes proposed accordingly.

Following the completion of all processes related to the current development plan, the Municipal Commissioner, Rajesh Narvekar, received commendation and appreciation from all officials and employees of the Urban Planning Department of the Navi Mumbai Municipal Corporation for tirelessly completing the development plan despite various challenges. The current development plan, once submitted for final approval to the government after incorporating the proposed changes and revisions, will be implemented in the municipal corporation's development endeavours.