In a significant milestone for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, the Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar Municipal Corporation (CSMC) has finally published the much-anticipated Development Plan for the city, referred to as the ‘Proposed Land Use (PLU).’ Shrikanth Deshmukh, the Designated Officer appointed by the state government for Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar, submitted the PLU to Administrator G. Srikanth on Friday, emphasizing the importance of this long-overdue development initiative.
Speaking with reporters, Srikanth expressed concern over the 30-year delay in formulating the Development Plan, citing it as an injustice to the citizens. The lack of a comprehensive plan has hindered the city’s growth and development, and the previous Development Plan faced legal challenges that led to its rejection by the Supreme Court. The new plan is expected to bring a fresh perspective to the city’s development strategy, although Srikanth acknowledged that no plan can satisfy every individual.
Following the publication of the PLU in the Government Gazette, the administration has urged citizens to submit objections and suggestions, along with reasons, in writing within 60 days to the Town Planning Deputy Director’s Office of the CSMC. This move emphasizes the importance of public participation in shaping the future of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar.
The draft of the development plan was presented to the CSMC in sealed envelopes, with two copies for citizens to review and provide feedback. Details and maps of the draft are accessible to the public upon payment of specified fees to the Deputy Director’s Office, Town Planning.
The history of Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s development plans dates back to 1975, with the first plan covering the old city. Despite the government finalizing the plan in 2002, subsequent plans faced legal challenges, leading to delays. The Supreme Court’s directive to create a new and integrated development plan for the city prompted the appointment of Shrikant Deshmukh, the deputy director of the Town Planning Department, as the special officer for the task.
The unveiling of the PLU marks a significant step towards revitalizing Chhatrapati Sambhajinagar’s growth and addressing long-standing development challenges.
