Delhi Master Plan 2041 prioritises sports hubs and infrastructure

The Delhi Development Authority's Master Plan for Delhi 2041, expected to be notified by the Union government this week, proposes international-standard sports facilities in emerging growth centres like Narela, Dwarka and Rohini sub-city, the Times of India reports. The plan recategorises sports facilities under recreational land use, allowing greater flexibility. Commercial components in sports venues can rise from 5% to 10-25% of the utilised built-up area, enabling operators to generate revenue.

The plan also adopts a two-pronged growth strategy for a projected population of 32 million: redeveloping existing built-up areas and planned urban extensions, the Hindustan Times reports. It links development to essential infrastructure availability, aiming to prevent unplanned growth. Regeneration of ageing DDA housing, unauthorised colonies, and slums is proposed through higher floor area ratios and densification, with base FAR of 350 for unauthorised colony schemes.

Experts caution that vertical growth requires concurrent development of civic infrastructure. Prerna Mehta of WRI India told Hindustan Times that challenges around water quality, security, greening, and air quality must be addressed. The plan's gazette notification from the central government is pending.