The master plan preparation process

1. Analysis of Existing Problems: Involves identifying and analyzing the current

challenges and deficiencies in urban areas, including issues such as inadequate
infrastructure, traffic congestion, informal settlements, and environmental degradation.
2. Assessment of Buildable Land: Urban expansion often requires assessing available land
for development. This could involve identifying vacant plots, underutilized areas, or even
potential areas for reclamation or land readjustment projects.
3. Evaluation of Future Land Supply and Suitability: Anticipating future land needs is
crucial for sustainable urban planning. This could involve studying demographic trends,
migration patterns, and economic projections to estimate future land demands.
4. Allocation of Land for Different Uses Based on Future Requirements: Once future
land demands are estimated, the master plan allocates land for various purposes such as
residential, commercial, industrial, recreational, and green spaces.
5. Spatial Distribution and Compatibility of Land Uses: This step involves determining
the spatial arrangement of different land uses to ensure compatibility and efficient land use.
For example, in Bangladesh's urban areas, zoning regulations can be implemented to
separate incompatible land uses such as industrial activities from residential areas to
minimize pollution and health risks.
6. Development of Road Networks: Connecting different land uses through a well-planned
road network is essential for efficient mobility and accessibility. For example, investing in
the construction of mass transit systems like metro rail or bus rapid transit (BRT) corridors
to improve connectivity and reduce travel times for residents.
The execution of a master plan

1. Determination of Road System Layout: In Bangladesh, where traffic congestion is a

significant issue in urban areas like Dhaka, prioritizing the development of an efficient and
well-connected road system is crucial. This may involve widening existing roads,
constructing new thoroughfares, and implementing traffic management measures to
improve mobility and reduce congestion.
2. Regulations to Maintain Street Pattern: Regulations are typically put in place to ensure
that new construction projects adhere to the established street pattern outlined in the master
plan. This helps maintain the visual and functional integrity of the urban landscape. In
Bangladesh, where informal and unplanned development is common, enforcing zoning
regulations and building codes becomes essential.
3. Improvements Without Disrupting Continuity: This means that infrastructure
upgrades, construction projects, and other interventions should be carefully coordinated to
minimize disruptions to daily activities and ensure seamless transitions. For example, when
implementing drainage improvement projects in low-lying areas prone to flooding,
 municipal authorities in Bangladesh may utilize innovative construction techniques that

Unauthorized 2 years imprisonment or

Building Construction Construction with a fine or with both
Rules, 1996
Town Removing fences etc. in the street 5 hundred TK.
Improvement Act, Building within street alignment or 5 hundred to 5 thousand
1953 building line TK., may be further
extended.
Use of land in zone plan in 1 thousand TK., may be
contravention of section 74 further extended.
minimize disruption to residents and businesses while enhancing flood resilience.
Penalties

The concept of a master plan

1. General Plan for Future Layout: In Bangladesh, master plans serve as comprehensive
guides for the spatial organization and development of cities. These plans typically depict
existing infrastructure and land uses, as well as proposed streets, open spaces, public
buildings, and utilities. For example, the master plan for Dhaka, the capital city of
Bangladesh, includes provisions for road networks, green spaces, commercial zones, and
residential areas.
2. Controlling Future Growth: With Bangladesh experiencing rapid urbanization, master
plans aim to manage growth along predetermined paths to avoid haphazard development
and mitigate challenges such as congestion, inadequate infrastructure, and environmental
degradation. For instance, the Dhaka Structure Plan 2016-2035 outlines growth corridors
and development zones to channel urban expansion in a controlled manner.
3. Prepared for Improvement or New Development: Master plans in Bangladesh can be
prepared for both improving existing cities and developing new towns. For instance, the
Chattogram Metropolitan Development Plan focuses on enhancing infrastructure and
services in Chattogram, while the Uttara Model Town Development Project aimed to
develop a new residential area in Dhaka to accommodate population growth.
4. Comprehensive Development: Classical master plans in Bangladesh aspire to achieve
comprehensive development by addressing various aspects of urban life, including
housing, transportation, utilities, recreation, and environmental sustainability. For
example, the Rajuk Master Plan for Dhaka envisions a balanced development approach
that integrates land use, transportation, and environmental conservation to create a livable
and resilient city.
5. Land-Use Plan: A fundamental aspect of master planning in Bangladesh is the
delineation of land-use zones to guide development activities. This includes allocating land
 for residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, and recreational purposes. For
instance, the Khulna City Master Plan designates specific areas for housing, commerce,
and industrial activities to optimize land utilization and promote economic growth.
6. Flexibility for Amendments: Master plans in Bangladesh are designed to be adaptable
to changing circumstances and evolving needs. They can be amended periodically to
accommodate new developments, revised growth projections, and emerging challenges.
For example, the Dhaka Structure Plan allows for updates and revisions to incorporate
feedback from stakeholders and respond to dynamic urban dynamics, such as population
shifts and economic changes.

The MASTER plan is not practiced at present in our country (Bangladesh)

because of some difficulties to apply-specify those issues with example
1. Informal Settlements and Unplanned Growth: Bangladesh's cities are characterized by
significant informal settlements and unplanned development, making it challenging to
enforce a predetermined master plan. For example, in Dhaka, the capital city, numerous
slums have developed haphazardly over the years, encroaching upon government and
private land. These informal settlements often lack basic infrastructure and services,
complicating efforts to integrate them into formal planning frameworks.
2. Land Ownership and Legal Issues: Land ownership disputes and legal complexities
pose obstacles to implementing master plans. In Bangladesh, unclear land titles,
overlapping jurisdictions, and informal land transactions are common, leading to conflicts
and delays in development projects. For instance, acquiring land for infrastructure projects
or rezoning for planned development can be hindered by legal challenges and resistance
from affected landowners.
3. Infrastructure Deficits and Funding Constraints: Limited infrastructure and funding
constraints impede the realization of master plans. Bangladesh faces significant challenges
in providing essential services such as water supply, sanitation, and transportation
infrastructure, especially in rapidly growing urban areas. For example, despite the Dhaka
Structure Plan outlining ambitious infrastructure projects, inadequate funding and capacity
constraints hinder their timely implementation, leading to service deficits and congestion.
4. Political Interference and Governance Issues: Political interference and governance
deficiencies undermine the effective implementation of master plans. In Bangladesh, urban
development decisions are often influenced by political considerations, leading to
inconsistencies, ad-hoc interventions, and corruption. For instance, changes in government
administrations may result in shifts in priorities and policies, disrupting long-term planning
efforts and undermining the continuity of development initiatives.
5. Environmental Challenges and Climate Change Risks: Bangladesh is highly
vulnerable to environmental challenges and climate change impacts, complicating urban
planning efforts. Factors such as river erosion, flooding, and cyclones exacerbate existing
 vulnerabilities and necessitate adaptive strategies in urban development. For instance,
incorporating climate-resilient design principles and green infrastructure solutions into
master plans can help mitigate risks and enhance the sustainability of urban areas.
Objectives of MP
1. Intelligent and Economic Spending of Public Funds for Welfare: This objective emphasizes
the efficient use of public funds for the betterment of the population. In Bangladesh, this could
involve prioritizing infrastructure projects that address pressing needs such as transportation,
sanitation, and healthcare. For example, investing in the construction of bridges and roads in rural
areas to improve connectivity and access to markets can lead to economic growth and improved
living standards for inhabitants.
2. Satisfy Present Requirements without Much Concern about the Future: While it's
important to address immediate needs, it's also crucial to consider long-term sustainability. For
instance, in urban areas like Dhaka, where rapid population growth and urbanization are significant
challenges, planning for future expansion of infrastructure and housing to accommodate the
growing population is essential. Ignoring future needs could lead to overcrowding, traffic
congestion, and inadequate services in the long run.
3. Restrict Haphazard & Unplanned Growth: Bangladesh has experienced rapid urbanization
without adequate planning in many areas, leading to problems like informal settlements,
inadequate infrastructure, and environmental degradation. The master plan aims to curb this by
promoting orderly and controlled development. For example, zoning regulations can be
implemented to designate specific areas for residential, commercial, and industrial purposes, thus
preventing encroachment and ensuring sustainable land use.
4. Place Various Functions to Avoid Mutual Conflict: This involves coordinating different land
uses and activities to minimize conflicts. For instance, ensuring that industrial zones are located
away from residential areas to reduce pollution and health risks for inhabitants. Similarly, planning
for green spaces and recreational areas within urban areas can help mitigate conflicts between
development and environmental conservation.
5. Remove Defects of Uncoordinated Physical Growth: This objective focuses on rectifying
past planning mistakes and ensuring that future development is cohesive and integrated. For
example, retrofitting existing infrastructure to improve efficiency and connectivity, such as
upgrading drainage systems to mitigate flooding in low-lying areas prone to inundation during
monsoon seasons.
6. Serve as a Guide for Recommendations on Public Improvement: The master plan serves as
a blueprint for policymakers and planning authorities to make informed decisions on public
investments and improvements. For example, based on the master plan's recommendations, the
government may prioritize projects such as building public transportation networks, upgrading
water supply systems, or enhancing healthcare facilities in underserved areas