DDA Approves Master Plan 2047 Linking Nine Heritage Precincts Across Delhi
The Delhi Development Authority approved the Master Plan for Delhi-2047 on Wednesday, proposing to organise Delhi's heritage landscape into a network of cultural precincts that link monuments, historic neighbourhoods, markets, and cultural destinations across areas including Nizamuddin, Mehrauli, Hauz Khas, Lodhi Road, Chirag Dilli, and the Walled City.
The approved plan identifies nine indicative clusters across the capital, treating these areas as connected heritage districts rather than isolated monuments. The proposal incorporates enhancements to streets, public spaces, mobility, conservation, and cultural activities.
According to the MPD-2047 document, a cultural precinct combines architectural, historical, cultural, natural, and associative values linked through streets and a cohesive built form. The indicative list of precincts includes the Nizamuddin Dargah-Humayun’s Tomb Complex-Sunder Nursery precinct; the Shamshi Fort-Jahaz Mahal-Zafar Mahal-Baoli-Adam Khan Tomb-Qutub Minar complex; Vijay Mandal-Begumpur-Sarai Shahji-Lal Gumbad; Safdarjung Tomb-Lodhi Garden-Lodhi Institutional Area-Lodhi Art District; Trikona Park-Shahpur Jat fashion street-Tohfe Wala Gumbad-Asiad Village Society; Firoz Shah Tomb-Hauz Khas village-Hauz Khas Lake; and Khirki Mosque-Satpula monuments in Chirag Dilli-Jahanpanah Forest.
The plan also identifies heritage precincts within the Walled City, covering historic markets and localities such as Khari Baoli, Paranthe Wali Gali, various katras, and areas around Chandni Chowk, Matia Mahal, and Jama Masjid. Separately, the Central Vista has been designated as a heritage precinct within the Lutyens’ Bungalow Zone.
For each designated precinct, the DDA will collaborate with local civic bodies to prepare a Cultural Resource Management Plan. These management plans will establish urban design and architectural controls for heritage structures, identify legacy infrastructure for restoration, and lay out area-level strategies for traffic and parking.
To improve accessibility, the framework proposes pedestrian zones, improved streetscapes, non-motorised transport facilities, and heritage walks. Greenways along natural drains connecting heritage assets may be developed as eco-cultural corridors. Permitted activities within notified precincts, subject to statutory approvals and relevant management plans, include art galleries, exhibition and performance spaces, small museums, cafes, guest houses, libraries, and craft centres.
Special provisions have been outlined for the Walled City to preserve its historic urban fabric. Group housing will not be permitted in notified heritage areas, and mandatory stilt parking requirements will not apply. The plan also proposes walking, cycling, cycle-sharing facilities, and comprehensive traffic management plans covering service vehicles, emergency evacuation areas, and utility management.
Additionally, MPD-2047 designates Mehrauli, Tughlaqabad Biodiversity Park, Sultan Garhi, Indraprastha, and Northern Ridge as archaeological parks.
