Planning in India uses various types of plans to guide development at national, regional, city, and local levels. Each plan serves a specific purpose and scale, ensuring coordinated and systematic development.
1️⃣ Master Plan
Definition:
A Master Plan is a long-term, comprehensive plan for the overall development of a city or town, usually covering 15–20 years.
Focus:
- Land-use allocation (residential, commercial, industrial, recreational).
- Transportation networks, utilities, and infrastructure.
- Population projections and housing requirements.
- Environmental considerations and open spaces.
Example:
- Master Plan of Delhi 2041
- Pune Development Plan
2️⃣ City Development Plan (CDP)
Definition:
A City Development Plan is a strategic urban planning document prepared under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and other schemes.
Focus:
- Economic growth, urban infrastructure, and governance.
- Social development and poverty alleviation programs.
- City-specific programs for water, sanitation, housing, and transport.
Objective:
- Facilitate sustainable and inclusive urban development.
3️⃣ Structure Plan
Definition:
A Structure Plan is a medium- to long-term plan that provides a framework for physical development of urban areas. It guides the detailed local plans (e.g., land-use zoning).
Focus:
- Population distribution and settlement patterns.
- Transportation and major infrastructure corridors.
- Land-use distribution and environmental protection.
Example:
- Structure plans prepared for fast-growing metropolitan regions.
4️⃣ District Plan
Definition:
A District Plan focuses on planning at the district level, integrating urban, rural, and regional development objectives.
Focus:
- Development of towns and villages within the district.
- Resource allocation, infrastructure, and social services.
- Coordination between local bodies and regional planning authorities.
5️⃣ Action Area Plan
Definition:
An Action Area Plan is a short-term, site-specific plan within a city or town, aimed at immediate development or redevelopment.
Focus:
- Implementation of specific projects (roads, parks, housing).
- Development of priority zones or wards.
- Addresses local needs and urgent interventions.
6️⃣ Subject Plan
Definition:
A Subject Plan deals with a specific sector or theme, such as transport, housing, water supply, or environmental management.
Focus:
- Sector-specific infrastructure and service planning.
- Integration with regional or city-wide plans.
- Can be short-, medium-, or long-term.
Examples:
- Transport Master Plan
- Water Supply and Sewerage Plan
- Solid Waste Management Plan
7️⃣ Comprehensive Planning
Definition:
Comprehensive Planning integrates all sectors, spatial, social, economic, and environmental considerations to guide development holistically.
Focus:
- Long-term vision for the city or region.
- Coordination of land use, transport, housing, utilities, and environment.
- Inclusive and sustainable growth strategies.
8️⃣ Zonal Plans
Definition:
Zonal Plans are sub-area plans that focus on specific zones or wards within a city or region.
Focus:
- Detailed land use, development control, and infrastructure planning.
- Implementation of local development projects.
- Supports the Master Plan and Structure Plan.
9️⃣ Hierarchy and Integration of Plans
| Plan Type | Scope | Purpose / Focus |
|---|---|---|
| Master Plan | City / Town | Long-term, overall development, land use, population, infrastructure |
| City Development Plan | City | Strategic urban growth, governance, economic & social development |
| Structure Plan | City / Metropolitan Area | Framework for detailed planning, settlement patterns, transport |
| District Plan | District | Coordination of urban and rural development at district level |
| Action Area Plan | Specific area / ward | Short-term, site-specific development interventions |
| Subject Plan | Sector-specific | Planning for transport, water, housing, environment |
| Comprehensive Planning | City / Region | Holistic integration of all sectors and long-term vision |
| Zonal Plan | Zone / Ward | Detailed planning and implementation for a specific sub-area |
✅ Key Points:
- Planning in India is multi-layered and sector-specific, ensuring coordination from national/regional vision to local implementation.
- Master Plans and Structure Plans provide long-term frameworks, while Action Area and Zonal Plans deal with immediate, site-specific interventions.
- Subject Plans integrate sectoral priorities, and Comprehensive Plans ensure holistic, sustainable, and inclusive development.
