Bhopal: Congress leader and former Madhya Pradesh minister PC Sharma began a 31-hour fast at Roshanpura Square on Friday, demanding implementation of Bhopal’s long-pending master plan.
Sharma, who was joined by former minister Jaivardhan Singh and other Congress leaders and workers, alleged that the BJP-led state government had failed to show the political will to implement the city’s master plan.
According to Sharma, Bhopal’s last master plan was implemented in 1995 and a new plan was expected every 10 years. He said a proposed 2031 master plan was prepared during the Kamal Nath government and presented in March 2020, but the process was not completed after the change of government.
Sharma alleged that the delay had contributed to unplanned development and created difficulties for residents and traders seeking permissions for commercial activities.
He also criticised sealing action against businesses operating in residential areas and demanded mixed land-use provisions and new commercial zones.
Sharma questioned why the offices of the BJP and RSS should be treated differently if land-use rules were being enforced against other establishments. He called for equal enforcement of rules.
He also claimed that sealing action could affect the livelihoods of around five lakh people and urged the government to implement the master plan to ensure planned development in Bhopal.
