UDRI to host citizen meets for DP draft suggestions

To involve citizens in its preparation of the city development plan, the Urban Design Research Institute (UDRI) plans to organise meetings in all prominent areas wherein suggestions and objections would be invited.

According to the UDRI, a total 250 organisations divided into 12 groups, as per areas of work like finance, environment, urban planning, and health, will meet citizens to find out more about their demand of open spaces, garden and hospitals. “After the data is collected, it will be submitted to the municipal commissioner for its incorporation in the DP plan,” said Pankaj Joshi, UDRI executive director.

Stating that the idea was initiated after an official letter by the civic chief, Joshi said the committees will also monitor the execution of the suggestions and objections. “The voluntary work aims at making the city better with all the amenities. Here, all departments, including environment and health, will be covered,” he added.

With many people shifting from South Mumbai to suburbs, “the amenities too need to be shifted. If their absence, they need to be created. People can now suggest their needs of market, social welfare facilities, entertainment theatre, schools, transport, communication, flood control and reclamation kind of subjects will be covered,” he added.