Towards effective land use planning: integrating development control regulation in rural land use planning

Abstract

This study titled "Integrating Development Control Regulation in Rural Land Use Planning: A Case of Nagardhan Villages, Nagpur District" addresses a critical aspect of spatial planning in rural India. In the backdrop of India's rapidly transforming urban-rural landscape, Development Control Regulations (DCRs), which are traditionally associated with urban areas, are yet to find formal integration in rural planning frameworks. This research attempts to bridge this critical gap by exploring the integration of context-based DCRs into rural land use planning, using Nagardhan village in the Ramtek taluka of Nagpur district as a case study. The motivation for the research arises from the observed inadequacies and inconsistencies in the application of planning norms and regulatory mechanisms in rural areas, particularly under the framework of Regional Plans governed by the Maharashtra Regional and Town Planning (MRTP) Act, 1966. Although villages fall under the jurisdiction of Regional Plans, the actual implementation of land use and construction regulations remains minimal, leading to haphazard development, unregulated growth, and inadequate infrastructure provisioning. This lack of effective control undermines sustainable development and often leads to irreversible changes in rural landscapes, cultural heritage, and ecological balance. The research methodology employs both primary and secondary data sources to assess the existing planning context and propose appropriate interventions. It includes a thorough literature review of relevant planning theories, statutory frameworks, and case studies that have dealt with rural development regulations. Field surveys, stakeholder interviews, and spatial analysis using GIS tools support the empirical framework of the study. One of the critical components of the research is the contextual analysis of Nagardhan village. Situated near important urban nodes and possessing historical significance as a cultural and tourism hub due to the presence of the Nagardhan Fort, the village presents a complex rural setting with both traditional and modern developmental pressures. The existing land use pattern reveals a predominant residential use with significant agricultural, forest, and tourism potential. However, the absence of specific development control guidelines has led to issues such as unregulated construction, poor road infrastructure, inadequate service delivery, and encroachments on heritage sites and natural resources. The DCRs are designed to support sustainable rural development by preserving the natural environment, promoting tourism in a regulated manner, safeguarding agricultural practices, and ensuring equity in land use. Furthermore, the regulations are linked with implementation tools such as Village Development Plans and participatory planning mechanisms that ensure local community involvement and compliance. A key insight from the research is the realization that rural areas, though distinct in character from urban centers, require an equally robust planning and regulatory framework. The traditional top-down planning model often ignores local nuances, leading to ineffective policies. Hence, this study emphasizes a bottom-up approach that prioritizes local needs, geography, and socio-economic profiles. The research also explores the institutional and governance challenges in implementing DCRs in rural areas. It identifies issues such as limited technical capacity at the village level, overlapping jurisdictions, lack of awareness among villagers, and absence of enforceable legal mechanisms. To overcome these barriers, the study suggests policy reforms that empower local planning authorities, capacity building for Gram Panchayats, use of digital land records and GIS-based monitoring, and integration of DCRs into Regional Plans with a rural focus. The research presents a replicable model for integrating DCRs into rural land use planning, emphasizing the importance of customized regulations that align with the unique needs of each village. The proposed framework for Nagardhan acts as a prototype that can inform planning practice and policy at the state and national levels. It not only enhances the regulatory environment but also ensures balanced growth, protection of rural identity, and sustainable resource use.