Among the suggestions that citizens’ groups made: differential floor space index (FSI); incorporating integrated schools; solid waste management; implementing status reports; and Fibre to the Curb. But Mr. Joshi of UDRI says these have not been taken up in the DP. “We would have had a much more meaningful plan with these practical suggestions from groups working on the field with substantial experience. They were worth exploring.”
On differential FSI, the suggestion was to give it out based on infrastructure-carrying capacity — road access, public transport, utilities and amenities — rather than a blanket FSI number for an area.
On education, the suggestion was to stem dropouts in Standard 7 at municipal schools by continuing to provide infrastructure — i.e. classrooms — up to Standard 10.
A governance group had suggested a status report on implementation of at least 5 per cent of the DP every year, and providing a budget for the next year. This process would involve citizens, make clear disclosures and make people accountable.
The Fibre to the Curb suggestion came from a digital inclusion group, which entailed installing optic fibre cables near homes or business areas. “This would have empowered the entire city, given easy access to broadband connectivity. If you provide that through a DP, you will find more entrepreneurs being created across the city,” Mr Joshi says.
