LUCKNOW: Uttar Pradesh government is contemplating incorporating community input and public participation in urban planning, connecting development with the context of the surrounding community. As part of this initiative, individuals will have a say in how cities are planned, promoting a blend of diverse land uses.
Rather than employing conventional methods that segregate urban land use into commercial and residential forms, which are criticised for neglecting what makes each neighbourhood unique, government intends to utilise a method known as Form-Based Codes (FBC).
Nitin Ramesh Gokarn, additional chief secretary, housing and urban planning, shared information about the initiative on the inaugural day of the three-day 72nd National Town & Country Planners Conference in Lucknow.
Gokarn said FBC focus on the appearance and interaction of buildings and public spaces. He pointed out the current system’s reliance on strict rules for placing homes and businesses, often disregarding local contexts and ground realities. This results in developers bending the rules to prioritise profit. “Unlike the current system that keeps homes, stores, and parks far apart, FBC encourages mixing things up. Imagine having shops, homes, and parks all in one area — that could make life more convenient for all of us,” said Gokarn.
Former OSD & EO joint secretary of urban transport, Sanjeev Kumar Lohia, cited examples of successful implementations of this approach in places like Indore’s railway stations. The essence of FBC is to consider the unique features of each neighborhood, leading to more fitting and personalised developments.
Anoop Srivastava, vice president of the Institute of Town Planners, India, said that there is still a long way to go. As the government explores these changes, input from experts and residents is crucial. The final decision on adopting these changes will be made by the state cabinet.
