Development Plan (DP) under MRTP Act, 1966

• These study notes are based on Multiple Choice Questions (MCQs) about the necessity and authority for the Preparation of Development Plan (DP) under the MRTP Act, 1966.

Legal Basis and Objective

• The MRTP Act of 1966 mandates the preparation of a Development Plan for every town.
• The primary goal of a Development Plan (DP) is to achieve planned urban development in the city.
• Development Plans are essential for enabling planned and systematic urban growth, as opposed to random or uncontrolled development.

Planning Authority

• According to the MRTP Act, the "Planning Authority" is responsible for preparing the Development Plan.
• Section 2(19) of the MRTP Act defines the term "Planning Authority".
• The definition of "Planning Authority" includes local authorities and special planning authorities.
• According to Section 2(15) a Municipal Corporation qualifies as a ‘local authority’.
• The State Government grants permission for any agency to act as a Planning Authority.

Local Authority

• Included under the classification of 'local authority' are the Bombay Municipal Corporation, Nagpur Improvement Trust, and Zilla Parishads.
• The Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) is not considered a 'local authority' under the MRTP Act.
• The functions of Zilla Parishads as local authorities are governed by the Maharashtra Zilla Parishads and Panchayat Samitis Act of 1961.
• The functions of Nagar Panchayats and Councils are governed by the Maharashtra Municipal Councils, Nagar Panchayats & Industrial Townships Act, 1965.
• The Nagpur Improvement Trust operates under the Nagpur Improvement Trust Act, 1936.

Special Planning Authority

• Section 40 of the MRTP Act allows for the constitution of a Special Planning Authority.
• Slum Rehabilitation Authority acts as a Planning Authority under the Maharashtra Slum Areas Act, 1971.

Scope and Implementation

• The Development Plan is meant to cover the entire planning area under the authority, not just specific zones or areas.
• A legal provision under the MRTP Act is a prerequisite for preparing a DP.
• The State Town Planning Department is responsible for implementing the Development Plan at the state level.

Goals

• One major goal of the Development Plan is to allocate land use in a planned manner.
• MHADA is not directly mentioned as a Planning Authority under the MRTP Act.