In a discussion program organized in Noida, former DDA Vice Chairman Balwinder Kumar said that the basic objective of NCR has not been fulfilled till now. He cited delay in planning, lack of coordination and weak enforcement system as the main reasons for this.
Noida: The National Capital Region (NCR) was established with the aim of reducing the increasing pressure on Delhi and balanced development of the surrounding cities. However, former DDA Vice President Balwinder Kumar believes that even after four decades this goal has not been fully achieved. According to him, there has been no dearth of plans, but lack of effective implementation and coordinated development has kept the NCR concept away from the expected success.
Expanding scope, weakening basic purpose
Former DDA Vice Chairman Balwinder Kumar said in Dainik Jagran’s discussion program that with time the area of NCR was continuously increased, due to which its original objective was affected. At present NCR is spread over an area of approximately 55 thousand square kilometers. He believes that it is challenging to ensure equitable development in such a large area.
He said that if the concept of NCR was limited to major cities adjacent to Delhi like Noida, Greater Noida, Gurugram and Faridabad, the impact of the development plans would have been more visible. With the expansion of the area, administrative and political complexities also increased, which affected the process of coordinated development.
Delay in master plan and planning becomes a challenge
Balwinder Kumar said that the expected coordination could not be developed between various states and cities of NCR regarding urban planning, master plan and building bylaws. The result is that problems like unplanned construction, encroachment and disorganized urbanization still persist in many areas.
Giving the example of Delhi’s master plan for the year 2041, he said that it should have been approved in the year 2021 itself, but till now it has not got the final approval. In such a situation, it is natural that the pace of planned development in the entire NCR will be affected.
In the recent CAG report, attention has been drawn towards many shortcomings related to the functioning of the NCR Planning Board. According to him, there is difficulty in implementing the schemes due to the Board not having effective enforcement powers.
Need for improvement in enforcement powers and policies
Balwinder Kumar says that if the NCR Planning Board is given more powers to stop encroachment and enforce planning rules, then the situation is possible to improve. He also said that areas located more than 100 km from Delhi have not got the expected benefits of NCR.
He also raised questions on the system of banning construction activities for a long time under GRAP. They believe that this affects employment and development work. He also termed the MCD toll fee collected from public transport vehicles in Delhi as unfair and demanded its abolition.
He said that on one hand the government wants to promote public transport to reduce pollution, while on the other hand additional charges are imposed on vehicles like taxis and autos. Such policies are contrary to the objective of encouraging public transportation.
These questions raised on the development model of NCR indicate that merely making plans is not enough for the long-term and balanced development of the region. Without effective implementation, better coordination and strong institutional arrangements, fully realizing the core concept of NCR still remains a major challenge.
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