Urban Planning in Colonial India

Local Area Plan (LAP) for MPSC Exam

• LAP is a statutory planning mechanism to improve existing developed areas.
• It's used for improving, retrofitting, and solving issues in existing areas.
• LAP provides detailed planning proposals and policies for areas anticipated for substantial redevelopment.
• The mechanism allows cities and urban authorities to replan, revive, and regenerate existing inner city areas.
• LAP is a micro-level planning tool to implement the larger vision embedded in the Development Plan (DP) for specific areas.

Syllabus for Local Area Plan

• Concept: Understanding the fundamentals of LAP.
• Objectives: Learning the goals and aims of LAP.
• Delineation of LAP boundary: Learning the process of defining the LAP boundary.
• Methodology of preparation: Understanding the steps involved in preparing a LAP.
• Case studies in India: Examining real-world examples in India.
• Provisions in UDCPR: Studying relevant provisions in the Urban Development Cess and Planning Regulations.

What is Local Area Plan?

• LAP is a statutory planning mechanism to improve and enhance existing developed areas.
• It aims to address issues and solve problems in existing areas, like improved infrastructure and provisions.

Types of Local Area Plans

• LAP for Urban Regeneration of Developed Areas
• LAP for Transit Oriented Development
• LAP for Improving Urban Areas with Heritage Value
• LAP for Improving Areas with Informal Settlements
• LAP for Special Development Areas (e.g., areas for religious or healthcare tourism)

Why LAP Mechanism?

• Rapid urbanization over the past few decades has led to significant migration to urban areas.
• Existing DP-TP Scheme mainly focuses on greenfield areas.
• Older inner-city areas and suburbs have often been neglected, leading to congestion and deterioration.
• LAP addresses the need for improvement and revitalization of these inner city areas.

Understanding the History of LAP Mechanism

• The concept of improving existing urban areas dates back to the early stages of urbanization in India.
• City Improvement Trusts (CITs) were established to address issues related to housing and sanitation.
• The Bombay Improvement Trust aimed to address poor housing and sanitation issues in slums and tenements.
• Multiple city improvement trusts were established in various provinces of colonial India.

Steps in Preparing a LAP

• Study of the area: Understanding the existing conditions.
• Delineation of boundary for the LAP: Defining the specific area for the plan.
• Publication of Delineated boundary: Making the boundaries public
• Contents of LAP: The essential details of the LAP
• Publication of Draft LAP: Public announcement of initial plan proposals
• Meeting of Owners: Public consultation with landowners.
• Submission of Draft LAP to State Government: Submission of complete plan details.
• State Government to sanction or refuse LAP: Approval or rejection by the Government.
• Surrender of Land under public domain: (if necessary)
• Implementation of LAP: Putting the plan into action.

Consideration for Delineating LAP Boundaries

• Purpose of LAP: Understanding the intended use of the LAP.
• Zone Boundaries (as identified in the DP): Following existing zoning rules to align with the broader development plan.
• TPS boundaries: Considering existing Transportation Plan Scheme boundaries for a smooth integration.

Components of LAP Maps

• Base map: Showing existing plots, buildings, structures, ground level details.
• Land use and building use maps: Showing land use on plots and their current uses.
• Revised street network: Identifying new streets and improvements.
• Urban Design and Regulations Maps: Representing regulations, permissions, and building footprints.
• Green & Open Space Network Map: Detailing existing and planned green spaces, water bodies, and contours.
• Infrastructure Map: Depicting existing and planned infrastructure.

Publishing, Modifying and Submitting LAP

• Meetings of affected persons: Conducting public meetings to collect suggestions, and address concerns.
• Objections and suggestions: Taking into account objections to the Plan, and revising to address objections.
• Publishing LAP in Gazette: Formal publication to inform the public of the final LAP plan
• Considering objection & suggestions, Modifications and: Refine the LAP further based on feedback and needs.
• Submitting the LAP to State Government: A formal submission for final approval and sanction.
• Sanctioning of LAP by State Government: Formal approval of the proposed plan for implementation.

Case Studies for Local Area Plans

• Ireland: Understanding Local Area Plans practices in Ireland.
• Bhutan: Understanding Local Area Plans practices in Bhutan.
• Maharashtra: Understanding Local Area Plans practices in Maharashtra, along with relevant legal specifications.
• Delhi: Understanding Local Area Plans practices in Delhi, and the need for these plans.

LAP in Gujarat

• Until recent years, LAP has largely focused on green-field development.
• The need for LAPs is to rejuvenate and revitalize existing inner-city areas.
• Relevant Gujarat-specific act provisions are mentioned.

Provision in UDCPR

• Description of what a Local Area Plan in UDCPR is

Planning and Design of LAP

• Understanding the planning process and procedures for creating the LAP design
• Stakeholder consultation
• Purpose and vision of LAP
• Schematic layout
• Assessment of urban areas
• Various guidelines for planning streets and parking areas

Development of Bandra Kurla Complex

• A case study on the transformation of the Bandra Kurla area for further development and commercial activities.