Following hue and cry from various corners, the proposed Muvattupuzha Master Plan has hit a roadblock. With barely four days left for the council meet that was expected to give the draft a final nod, the Master Plan is drawing flak from the public and other stake holders. The civic body on Monday had decided not to finalise the plan and to collect more public opinion. Though the municipality secretary had ensured that a final decision would not be taken immediately, some Opposition Councillors have raised allegation against the Municipal Chairman alleging that “there were vested interests in implementing the plan”. According to the Opposition Councillors, the plan was not feasible as it is unscientific.
Municipal chairman U R Babu, while attending a press meet, said most of the criticisms were owing to unawareness about the plan. “The civic body will make everything about the Master Plan transparent. We have no vested interest. The plan will be finalised only after discussing it with the public and other interested groups. A final decision will be taken at the council meetings,” he added.
The chairman said certain media were coming up with misleading reports causing a fear among the public that they might lose their land in the name of development. “There is no plan to acquire land from anybody,” Babu said.
“A draft plan has been published at Municipal Office. This will soon be available at Municipalities websites so as to sort out public opinion. While getting suggestions from public, an expert committee to be formed under Town Planning Section will study it in detail,” he added.
Special meeting will be held to discuss issues with all stakeholders such as merchant, farmers and residents, he added.
Meanwhile, C M Shukkur, an opposition councillor said the Councillors were not given enough time to study the draft plan. “I believe that the Chairman has a clear vested interest in the matter. The Opposition demands revision of the plan in favour of public,” he added.