Urban and regional planning in India is guided by a complex framework of policies, programs, laws, and local regulations that aim to regulate land use, development, housing, environmental protection, and civic amenities. These instruments provide legal, administrative, and technical guidance for planners, authorities, and developers.
1. Planning Policies in India
Planning policies are guidelines and strategic frameworks issued by the government to direct urban, regional, and sectoral development.
A. National Urban Policy (NUP)
- Provides a vision for sustainable urban development in India.
- Focuses on livable cities, inclusive growth, affordable housing, urban transport, and environmental sustainability.
- Encourages public-private partnerships (PPP) in infrastructure and service delivery.
B. National Housing Policy
- Aims to provide affordable housing for all, especially the urban poor.
- Promotes slum rehabilitation, low-cost housing, and rental housing schemes.
- Guides state and municipal authorities on housing standards, financing, and urban design.
C. National Urban Transport Policy (NUTP)
- Encourages sustainable, safe, and efficient urban transport systems.
- Advocates for mass transit, pedestrian-friendly streets, and traffic decongestion measures.
D. National Environment Policy (NEP)
- Integrates environmental sustainability into planning.
- Requires Environmental Impact Assessments (EIA) for large-scale projects.
- Promotes green building norms, pollution control, and resource efficiency.
E. Smart City Mission Guidelines
- Provide policy framework for smart, technology-enabled urban development.
- Focus areas: ICT, urban mobility, energy efficiency, e-governance, and citizen services.
2. Planning Programmes in India
Planning programmes are practical initiatives and schemes for implementing government policies at city or regional level.
| Programme | Objective | Key Features |
|---|---|---|
| Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM, 2005) | Urban infrastructure improvement and governance reform | Modernization of water, sewage, roads; reforms in municipal governance |
| Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) | Housing for all by 2025 | Affordable housing, subsidies, urban slum redevelopment |
| Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT, 2015) | Urban infrastructure and water supply | Sewerage, water supply, green spaces, stormwater management |
| Smart Cities Mission (2015) | Create 100 smart cities | Technology-enabled services, efficient urban management |
| HRIDAY (Heritage City Development and Augmentation Yojana) | Preserve cultural heritage | Heritage conservation, tourism infrastructure, urban renewal |
3. Planning Acts in India
Acts provide the legal authority for urban and regional planning. They define roles of planning authorities, enforcement mechanisms, and regulatory compliance.
| Act | Year | Purpose / Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Town and Country Planning Act | Varies by state (e.g., Maharashtra 1966, UP 1973) | Empowers state planning authorities to prepare development plans, regulate land use, and control building activities |
| Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act (ULCRA) | 1976 (repealed 1999) | Controlled land hoarding, redistributed land for development |
| Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act (RERA) | 2016 | Regulates real estate sector, protects buyers’ interests, ensures project transparency |
| Land Acquisition Act | 2013 | Governs land acquisition for public purpose, including urban development |
| Environment Protection Act | 1986 | Provides framework for environmental regulation and EIAs in urban projects |
| Air & Water Pollution Control Acts | 1981 / 1974 | Regulate emissions, water pollution, and environmental compliance in urban development |
| Indian Easements Act | 1882 | Governs rights of way, access, and use of land in urban planning |
4. Municipal and Local Bye-Laws
Bye-laws are regulations enacted by municipal authorities to control day-to-day urban development. They ensure safety, hygiene, proper land use, and compliance with master plans.
Common Urban Planning Bye-Laws
- Building Bye-Laws:
- Define height restrictions, floor area ratio (FAR), setbacks, parking, and open spaces.
- Ensure safety and uniformity in urban structures.
- Zoning Regulations:
- Control residential, commercial, industrial, and recreational land use.
- Prevent conflicts between incompatible land uses.
- Subdivision and Layout Bye-Laws:
- Regulate plot sizes, street widths, street lighting, and drainage.
- Heritage and Conservation Bye-Laws:
- Protect historic buildings, monuments, and heritage precincts.
- Environmental Bye-Laws:
- Regulate tree cutting, water management, solid waste disposal, and pollution control.
- Fire and Safety Regulations:
- Include fire exits, firefighting equipment, and emergency planning in buildings.
5. Integration of Policies, Acts, and Bye-Laws
- National policies set the vision and objectives (e.g., housing, environment, smart cities).
- Programmes implement policies through practical projects and schemes (e.g., AMRUT, PMAY).
- Acts provide the legal authority for planning and enforcement.
- Bye-laws operationalize the acts at municipal and local levels, ensuring compliance and safety.
This multi-tiered framework ensures that planning in India addresses population growth, urbanization, environmental concerns, and socio-economic development in a regulated and sustainable manner.
Conclusion
India’s urban planning framework combines policies, programmes, legal acts, and municipal bye-laws to guide planned urbanization, sustainable infrastructure, and citizen welfare. From national-level strategies like the Smart Cities Mission to local building regulations, the system ensures that urban growth is regulated, inclusive, and environmentally sensitive, balancing development needs with social, economic, and ecological priorities.
