The long-awaited 10-year urban expansion blueprint under Mangaluru Urban Development Authority (MUDA) remains incomplete, despite being in the works for several years. Intended as a strategic framework for growth in Mangaluru North, South, the city core, and Moodbidri constituencies, the updated Master Plan is yet to be finalized.
Originally, MUDA’s second Master Plan—revised in 2011—was due to expire in 2021. A replacement plan extending to 2031 was scheduled for rollout, but delays stemming from the pandemic and technical hurdles faced by the consultancy firm hindered progress. Even today, only around 85% of the plan has been completed, covering base mapping and current land usage.
Although the state government had instructed MUDA to submit a draft by December of the previous year, the document is still pending as of May. The prolonged delay casts doubt over how many more years it may take for actual implementation, even after the draft is submitted.
This Master Plan is crucial for structured urban development. It designates agricultural zones, green spaces, and infrastructure corridors while safeguarding ecological balance. It also evaluates projected growth and identifies needs such as transportation and civic amenities, aiding in comprehensive land classification and valuation.
Once the draft is submitted, government approval and a 60-day public review phase must follow before finalization. According to MUDA Chairperson Sadashiva Ullal, only minor technical clarifications are pending before submission.
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