The Kolkata master plan is an extensive blueprint to guide the city’s development and progress. Devised by the Kolkata Metropolitan Development Authority (KMDA), it aims to shape Kolkata into a contemporary, lively and hygienic metropolis while safeguarding its cultural heritage. Emphasising the importance of greenery, the plan entails creating additional parks and open spaces across the city. It outlines strategies to enhance public transportation and optimise land utilisation.
Kolkata Master Plan 2025: Overview
The Kolkata Master Plan 2025 represents a comprehensive framework that guides the city’s trajectory towards growth. Focusing on enhancing infrastructure, improving living standards and fostering sustainable development, the plan aims to address the evolving needs of the city while ensuring greater connectivity. Key sectors, such as housing, transportation and commercial expansion, are prioritised in the Kolkata master plan. Despite encountering challenges, the plan is progressing, providing ample opportunities for community involvement. This blueprint signifies a stride towards shaping the city’s future and positioning it for advancement and prosperity.
Kolkata Master Plan: Vision
- For Kolkata Metropolitan to become a regional intellectual hub.
- Acknowledge the significance of major centres within the region for future development.
- Prioritise efficient use of urban land and the preservation of natural reserves and heritage.
- Achieve healthy living conditions and fostersocial growth by 2025.
- Enhance the inflow of essential goods, such as milk, fruits and vegetables.
- An aesthetically pleasing and cohesive urban form.
- Improved communication facilities through busesand railways.
Kolkata Master Plan: Objective
The Kolkata Master Plan has been instrumental in boosting the local economy, paving the way for economic opportunities. Despite facing challenges, the city remains optimistic about achieving a sustainable future. The primary objectives of the Kolkata Master Plan 2025 are as follows:
Sustainable growth
The plan aims to facilitate the expansion and development of the city while ensuring that the needs of future generations are met. It prioritises sustainable development and responsible urban planning to create a liveable environment for all residents.
Heritage conservation
Preservation of the city’s natural resources, cultural heritage and historic landmarks is the key goal. This ensures that everyone can appreciate and enjoy Kolkata’s heritage and charm.
Efficient land use
Efficient utilisation of urban land, while avoiding unnecessary expansion, leads to reduced traffic congestion and better-organised neighbourhoods.
Connectivity
Enhancing the efficient movement of people and goods within the city. This involves improving public transportation, highways and other transportation infrastructure to enhance effectiveness and convenience for all residents.
Social growth
Promoting social development and inclusive growth, ensuring that the benefits of development are shared by all segments of society.
Quality of life
Ensuring that all residents have access to essential amenities, such as sanitation, clean water and quality healthcare, thereby, improving living conditions.
Kolkata Master Plan: Key areas covered
The Kolkata Master Plan 2025 encompasses several key areas, including:
Kolkata Metropolitan Region
This region is crucial for daily commutes and supplying workers to both the city and the metropolitan district.
Inner Metropolitan Region
Influenced by milk supply zones, city bus services and proximity to nearby towns as per census criteria.
Intermediate Metropolitan Region
Characterised by the supply of fresh vegetables and perishable food items to the city and the metropolitan district.
Kolkata Metropolitan Area (KMA)
Encompasses the Kolkata Urban Agglomeration and rural pockets, comprising the core urban area and surrounding rural regions within the larger metropolitan context.
Central Business District
As the main centre of urban activities in Kolkata, it occupies 8% of the city’s municipal area and 1% of the KMA. The central business district is vital for financial and commercial activities.
Metro core
Comprising the twin cities of Kolkata and Howrah, along with densely developed surrounding areas, from Bally to Garden Reach and Garia, covering approximately 34% of the KMA.
Municipal and Panchayat areas
Municipalities and panchayats are responsible for developing their respective regions within the KMA limits, following the norms outlined in the West Bengal District Planning Committee Act of 1994 and the West Bengal Metropolitan Committee Act of 1994.
Kolkata Master Plan: Key elements
Here are the key elements of the Kolkata Master Plan 2025:
Traffic and transportation
The plan aims to construct more expressways, roads, bridges, highways, bus terminals, parking lots, canals and truck terminals to enhance transportation and alleviate traffic congestion.
Sewerage, drainage and sanitation
Construction of drainage and sewerage systems on the East and West banks will be undertaken to regulate runoff and ensure hygienic conditions, contributing to improved sanitation.
Water supply
Initiatives, such as Kalyani and Garylia, will be implemented to ensure an adequate supply of clean and safe drinking water to residents, thereby, improving access to water resources.
Environment
Programmes focusing on monitoring wastewater quality, air quality and afforestation will be implemented. Additionally, playgrounds, parks, rainfall collection systems, groundwater recharge and public restrooms will be constructed to promote environmental sustainability and hygiene.
Social infrastructure
Construction of upper secondary schools, elementary schools and universities will be prioritised to provide quality education.
Heritage conservation
Actions will be taken to protect and preserve historical structures and monuments to maintain the cultural character and historical significance of the city.
Slum development
Efforts will be made to uplift and improve living conditions in slum areas by providing better housing and infrastructure to the underprivileged segments of society.
Health
The development of polyclinics, hospitals and dispensaries will enhance healthcare infrastructure and ensure better access to medical treatments.
Housing.com POV
The Kolkata Master Plan emerges as a comprehensive and meticulously crafted blueprint to steer the city towards growth and progress in the forthcoming years. Spearheaded by the KMDA, this plan envisions transforming Kolkata into a contemporary, vibrant and hygienic metropolis while safeguarding its cultural heritage. With a strong emphasis on greenery, the plan underscores the creation of parks and open spaces across the city, alongside strategies to bolster public transportation infrastructure and optimise land utilisation. The Kolkata Master Plan 2025, delineated with meticulous detail, represents a significant stride towards shaping the city’s future, positioning it for continual advancement and prosperity.
FAQs
What is the objective of the Kolkata Master Plan 2025?
The objective of the Kolkata Master Plan 2025 is to guide the city’s development towards sustainable growth while preserving its cultural heritage and improving the quality of life for its residents.
What key areas does the Kolkata Master Plan cover?
The Kolkata Master Plan covers various key areas, including transportation, infrastructure, heritage conservation, social infrastructure and environmental sustainability.
How does the Kolkata Master Plan address traffic congestion?
The plan addresses traffic congestion by proposing the construction of more expressways, roads, bridges and public transportation facilities to improve transportation efficiency.
What measures are included in the Kolkata Master Plan to enhance environmental sustainability?
The plan includes measures, such as monitoring wastewater quality, afforestation programs, construction of parks and playgrounds, groundwater recharge systems and public restroom facilities to promote environmental sustainability.
How does the Kolkata Master Plan aim to improve healthcare infrastructure?
The plan aims to improve healthcare infrastructure by constructing hospitals, polyclinics, dispensaries and other medical facilities to ensure better access to medical treatments for residents.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
