Delhi’s Master Plan 2047 shifts to a ‘negative list’ for land use

A convenience shopping centre, a budget hotel or a service apartment could be allowed in a residential area under Delhi’s Master Plan 2047, provided the use is not on its prohibited list.

The plan moves residential and commercial land-use rules towards a “negative list” model: it specifies activities that cannot operate in a zone while allowing other uses. Earlier master plans largely used this approach for industrial areas, while residential and commercial zones relied on lists of permitted activities.

Residential areas may accommodate local shopping and service markets, informal-sector bazaars, community and district centres, hotels, household industries, multi-level parking and fuel stations. Airports, railway and integrated passenger terminals, inter-state bus terminals, bus and rail depots, large utility facilities, courts and government offices are among the barred uses.

Commercial zones may permit group housing, studio apartments, affordable rental housing complexes, hostels, guest houses and certain industrial activities. Plotted housing, foreign missions and industrial parks are prohibited there.

The plan also continues to bar industries such as explosive manufacturing, hazardous-waste processing, petroleum coke processing, stone quarrying and several chemical activities across Delhi, subject to specified exceptions. The Central government can alter the prohibited list on the Delhi government’s recommendation. The policy follows the Master Plan’s clearance for final central approval.