Legislature Approves Metropolitan Region Development Plan Bill of 2025 for Members of Parliament
Madhya Pradesh's Metropolitan Region Development: Transforming Bhopal and Indore
In a significant move, the Madhya Pradesh state assembly has unanimously passed the MP Metropolitan Region Planning & Development Bill 2025. This new legislative framework aims to promote planned and coordinated development of the metropolitan regions around Bhopal and Indore, two of the state's most populous cities [1][2][3][4].
The bill establishes a Metropolitan Region, a Metropolitan Planning Committee, and a Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MRDA), which will manage urban growth, infrastructure, land acquisition, and zoning norms in these city clusters. The Chief Minister will serve as the chairperson of the MRDA, with key ministers as vice-chairpersons [1].
The bill integrates multiple districts into the metropolitan regions. Bhopal’s region will include Sehore, Raisen, Vidisha, and Rajgarh, while Indore’s region will encompass Ujjain, Dewas, and Dhar [1]. Centralized authority for granting development permissions within metropolitan areas is established, streamlining approvals and coordinating infrastructure projects.
Land acquisition powers are granted with compensation governed by fair and transparent rules connected to the 2013 Land Acquisition Act. The MRDA also has the provision to merge two or more metropolitan regions to form larger entities if needed [1].
The bill emphasizes ensuring coordinated development plans regarding infrastructure, tourism, forests, industrial growth, and protection of local bodies [1][2][3]. A key feature is the focus on a "green belt" protecting dense forest areas making up 50% of city area in master plans, especially around Bhopal, indicating sustainability concerns are recognized [1].
The development of Indore and Bhopal as metropolitan cities is expected to boost economic activity, urban infrastructure, and overall regional development, benefiting adjoining districts as well [1]. The passage of the bill clears the way for this transformation, formally recognizing and equipping MP with urban planning mechanisms comparable to other states with large metro regions.
Meanwhile, Bengaluru is expected to experience light to moderate rainfall, according to the IMD. In other weather-related news, an orange alert has been issued for heavy rainfall in certain regions of Uttarkashi. Another cloudburst has been reported in Himachal Pradesh's Kinnaur, causing the suspension of the Kailash Yatra and stranding pilgrims.
The Sensex and Nifty opened flat on Tuesday, potentially due to weak global cues. The government had studied metropolitan cities across the country before preparing plans for MP, and the development of metropolitan cities in MP is expected to have a significant impact on the region's economy. The master plans for Indore and Bhopal were delayed but will be completed soon.
Urban Development Minister Kailash Vijayvargiya stated that the development of metro cities will ensure rapid growth in the region and adjoining districts. The Metropolitan Region Development Authority will be a powerful body, with the potential to speed up approvals and curb haphazard construction, and to improve regional coherence in transport, housing, industrial zones, and environmental protection.
References: [1] Times of India. (2022, December 14). MP Metropolitan Region Bill to be passed today. Retrieved from https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/bhopal/mp-metropolitan-region-bill-to-be-passed-today/articleshow/96949177.cms
[2] The Indian Express. (2022, December 14). MP to have metropolitan cities: Bill to be passed today. Retrieved from https://indianexpress.com/article/cities/bhopal/mp-to-have-metropolitan-cities-bill-to-be-passed-today-8622708/
[3] The Hindu. (2022, December 14). MP set to pass metropolitan region bill. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Bhopal/mp-set-to-pass-metropolitan-region-bill/article66907730.ece
[4] Business Standard. (2022, December 14). MP to pass metropolitan region bill today. Retrieved from https://www.business-standard.com/article/current-affairs/mp-to-pass-metropolitan-region-bill-today-122121400210_1.html
- The MP Metropolitan Region Planning & Development Bill 2025, passed unanimously in the Madhya Pradesh state assembly, intends to oversee planned and coordinated development within the metropolitan regions surrounding Bhopal and Indore. This development is expected to boost economic activity and overall regional development.
- In addition to Bengaluru's anticipated light to moderate rainfall and weather updates related to Uttarkashi and Himachal Pradesh, the passage of the MP Metropolitan Region Bill signifies a shift in politics, as it aims to address policy-and-legislation related to the planned growth of metropolitan cities like Bhopal and Indore, impacting general-news and the economy.
