Bhopal: Hearings on more than 13,400 objections to the draft Bhopal Master Plan 2047 will begin on 16 November, according to officials from the Town and Country Planning Department (T&CP).
The biggest concerns relate to proposed changes around the catchment areas of the Upper Lake and other water bodies, with more than 6,000 objections reportedly submitted on the issue. Another 4,000-plus objections concern proposals allowing commercial activities in residential areas.
More than 5,000 objections were received through email. Officials said around 3,000 duplicate submissions were removed from the initial count after identifying repeated online and offline complaints.
Farmers have also raised concerns about changes to agricultural land use, particularly around the Bhoj Wetland. They are demanding the removal of Bhojtal Conservation Zone-1 (BIZ-1) and Zone-2 (BIZ-2), and want their agricultural land to remain designated for farming.
Residents of areas including Neelbad, Ratibad and Bhauri have raised concerns about the proposed changes affecting lake catchment areas. Some residents have also approached the Supreme Court over the issue.
Other objections reportedly concern a proposed 45-metre-wide road, unauthorised land use and commercial zoning.
The proposed plan covers long-term urban development, including housing, transport, industry and green spaces. Officials are expected to finalise the hearing arrangements following departmental discussions.
The hearings will provide residents, farmers and other stakeholders an opportunity to present their concerns before decisions are taken on the draft plan.
