Kolhapur Civic Committee Raises Concerns Over Development Plan Focus
The Kolhapur city civic action committee convened with the deputy director of the town planning department on Tuesday evening to discuss the draft of the third development plan for the municipal corporation. The committee strongly alleged that the plan has been reduced to merely imposing and lifting reservations, neglecting broader urban needs.
Infrastructure Deficiencies Highlighted
Committee members pointed out that as the city's population, vehicle numbers, and flood-prone areas have increased, critical amenities have decreased. They noted a decline in gardens, playgrounds, primary and secondary schools, parking lots, and open spaces. The second revised development plan of the Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC) covered the period 1911-2011, and the third revised plan was supposed to take effect immediately afterward, but this transition did not occur.
The committee emphasized that the purpose of a development plan should be to systematically organize various aspects of the city, ensuring future development is guided by specific principles to make Kolhapur efficient, effective, and pleasant. They highlighted that the city's area has remained stagnant at 66.82 square kilometers since 1951, even after the KMC was established in 1971, raising questions about expansion and service provision.
Activists Voice Legal and Practical Concerns
Activist Baba Indulkar referenced Section 63 of the Municipal Corporation Act, which mandates provisions for gardens, playgrounds, schools, health services, markets, libraries, fire stations, parking, rehabilitation spaces, waste centers, and roads. "While preparing the development plan, it is mandatory for the municipal corporation to provide these essential services," he stated.
Activist Baba Parte questioned the urgency of the third development plan, given population growth and unresolved merger issues. "If the population has increased, how will new space be provided for civic services? If co-guardian minister Madhuri Misal said the merger issue will be resolved in 2027, why rush now?" he asked.
Official Response and Next Steps
Deputy Director of Town Planning, Dileep Kadam, addressed the delegation, assuring that written and oral suggestions from the civic action committee would be considered in revising the third development plan. He committed to improving sector-wise implementation and organizing a meeting with KMC officials soon to address these concerns.
