MASTER PLAN

1. What is a Master plan? What are its objects?

Ans: A master plan may be defined as a general plan for the future layout of a city showing both
the existing and proposed streets and roads, open spaces, public buildings, etc.

Following are the objects of Master plan:

It serves an overall picture and programme for the development of the town.

It helps in restricting the haphazard and unplanned growth.

It places various functions which a town has to perform in physical relationship of each other so
as to avoid the chances of mutual conflict. It helps to bring harmony and understanding between
the different groups of the people.

It stimulates wider interest in community problems and brings a well-coordinated development.

It aims at intelligent and economic spending of the public funds for achieving welfare of the
inhabitants in respect of amenity, convenience and health.

It arranges the pattern of a town in such a way so as to satisfy the present requirements without
introduction of future improvements by the coming generations.

It serves as a guide to the planning body for making any recommendations for public
improvement.

2. What are the reasons for preparing a master plan for a town? (Principles)

Ans: Reasons for preparing a master plan for a town are as follows:

It should provide for all major objectives for the development of the city and still be economical.

Provisions for changes during the implementation of the plan should be kept.

It should be sound, practical and inspire civic interests, devotion and loyalty.

No overcrowding should be there with assurance of health care, recreational facilities and
amenities.

Proper traffic management systems should be incorporated in it.

3. What is the necessity of master plan?

Ans: The necessities of master plan are as follow:

The industries have been set up in the heart of the cities without any consideration of transport
and other utility services.

The migration of rural population has caused housing shortage and increased congestion.
 The rapid development of transport caused housing over-crowding and congestion on the roads.
Industries have encroached upon the residential areas causing shortage of open and recreational
areas.

In order to control the un-planned growth of town and to achieve general welfare of the citizens
in respect of health, convenience and comfort.

4. What are the data to be collected for master plan?

Ans: The data required for the preparation of a master plan as follows:

a. Metrological data regarding soil condition.

b. Geological data regarding soil condition.

c. Population- present and its future growth.

d. Details of trades and industries.

e. Mineral resources.

f. Economic conditions of the authority.

g. Environments of the site.

h. Land values and land use pattern.

i. Location of historical, cultural and scientific places.

j. Water supply and drainage arrangement.

k. Requirements for railway stations, goods yards and shipping facilities.

l. Facilities of the transport.

m. Locations of spots of the natural beauty.

n. Political position of the place with regard to its neighbouring area.

o. Expansion, development of environments.

p. Special requirements for power houses, gas works, sewage disposal plant and storm water
drainage, etc.

5. How is master plan prepared?

Ans: A master plan is only a key plan generally prepared on a small scale. Following are the
details contained in the master plan:

i. Boundaries of land of different types such as residential, agricultural, industrial, etc.

ii. Boundary of green belt surrounding the town.

iii. Contour map of the whole town.

 iv. Different zones.

v. Present and proposed open areas.

vi. Present and proposed communication.

vii. Landscape features.

viii. Residential areas.

ix. Locations of the public buildings and town centres.

x. Open spaces including parks and playgrounds.

xi. Public amenities.

xii. Positions of the natural springs, rivers and streams, etc.

xiii. Position of the public utility services such as water supply station, sewage disposal plant,
power plant, etc.

xiv. Boundary of the green belt surrounding the town.

In addition to the drawings, perspective views, panoramas, models, etc. should also be prepared
if required.

6. What are the functions of the master plan?

Ans: The functions of the master plan are:

To control the development of various industries in a systematic way.

To guide development of a city is an orderly manner so as to improve the quality of life of the
people.

To discourage the growth of town in an unplanned and unscientific way.

To give a perspective picture of a fully developed town.

To limit to a certain extent the unprecedented flow of rural population to the urban area.

To overcome shortage of houses, traffic congestion, inadequate open spaces and public amenities,
etc. due to overcrowding of population.

To direct the physical development of the city in relation to its social and economic characteristics
based on comprehensive surveys and studies on the present status and the future growth
prospects.

To organize and coordinate the complex relationships between urban land uses.

To provide a resource mobilization plan for the proposed development works.

 7. How is the master plan executed?

Ans: The execution of master plan is carried out either by municipality or corporation. For
execution a team of experts in Engineering, Public health, Architecture, Sociology, Economics,
Finance, etc. headed by a Town Planner is required.

After the master plan is accepted and approved by the concerned authority, the steps to be taken
will be,

To fix the broad policies in connection with various proposals.

To prepare the list of the urgent works according to their priorities.

To prepare the detailed estimates of work of top priorities.

To prepare a financial programme.

It takes many years to complete the works contemplated in the master plan. The cost is also very
high amounting to several years. Moreover, several modifications will have to be made as such
no final estimate is made in the initial stage.

The most important part of master plan is the reservation of land for road system, open spaces
and public amenities, which cannot be provided for at a later date. Once it is finalised, no
building should be allowed to construct which will upset the street system. The works proposed
in the plan are for the prosperity of the people, hence any new proposals benefiting the public
are considered periodically, usually at every period of five years.

Reference:
Town Planning by Rangwala. Published by Charotar, 24th edition; 2011.
Town Planning text book by H.S. Vishwanath, Published by Sapna book house, 2nd revised and
enlarged edition; 2014.