MYSURU: The Mysuru Development Authority (MDA) is planning to expand its local planning area (LPA) from 519 sq km to nearly 1,200 sq km, potentially increasing its administrative coverage over the city’s development.
This proposal aims to facilitate more organized and centralized planning; however, there are concerns that it does not sufficiently address Mysuru’s rapid growth or the necessity for solid mass transportation infrastructure.
MDA’s in-charge commissioner, K R Rakshith, informed TOI that since the authority’s establishment eight months ago, three board meetings have taken place. During the latest meeting last month, chaired by the deputy commissioner, the board decided to propose the LPA expansion, which will be forwarded to the state government for approval.
The extended LPA is set to encompass the entire Mysuru taluk, including Varuna hobli, previously outside the boundaries of Greater Mysuru. Officials suggest that consolidating a larger area under a single planning authority will enhance coordinated decision-making, priority alignment, and standardized planning processes.
However, in response to inquiries regarding transport planning, Rakshith acknowledged a lack of proposals for mass transport projects to cater to the city’s increasing mobility needs. During the same meeting, private layout projects covering over 200 acres were approved.
Deputy commissioner G Lakshmikanth Reddy, also serving as the MDA chairman, stated that development is proceeding in line with the Mysuru Master Plan 2031, which includes provisions for road infrastructure and transportation planning. He pointed out that Mysuru must fulfill specific criteria to be eligible for a Metro rail project.
Urban planners and real estate consultants have voiced concerns about layout approvals being granted without corresponding planning for essential infrastructure such as arterial roads, ring roads, junction redesigns, public transport corridors, or last-mile connectivity.
Real estate consultant Adish Sagar criticized the authority for not finalizing the LPA expansion before the state government extended Mysuru City Corporation limits, cautioning that this overlap could create confusion among agencies regarding infrastructure implementation.
Sagar also noted that expanding the LPA would accelerate urbanization in peri-urban areas, increasing freight movement and daily commutes. Without integrated transport planning, these areas risk inadequate connectivity and unsafe conditions for pedestrians and cyclists.
He emphasized that Mysuru’s growth could be better managed if transport infrastructure were treated as a fundamental aspect of land use.
