The DDA had on February 28 issued a public notice inviting comments on its draft amendment of the master plan, giving 45 days to respond. With that time coming to an end on Sunday, architects raised concerns about the process itself as well as the impact of the amendment on the Capital’s heritage.

The master plan says that the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) policy would be used for all development in the influence zones of MRTS corridors, “such that maximum number of people can live, work or find means of recreation within walking or cycling distance of the MRTS corridors or stations”. The current version of the master plan excludes the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone (LBZ), Chankyapuri, Civil Lines Bungalow Zone and Monument Regulated Zone (as per Archaeological Survey of India guidelines) from the influence zones, however, the amendment proposes deleting the relevant clauses.

“The modifications to the TOD policy will have far reaching implications on the urban character of the LBZ. The Indian Institute of Architects, Northern Chapter, has followed a consultative process, among its members, before submitting any comments to the government on such issues. Due to the nationwide lockdown, this has not been possible. We would request the DDA to extend the deadline for submitting suggestions or objections,” IIA Northern Chapter chairman Shamit Manchanda told The Hindu.

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