NON DEVELOPMENT ZONE (NDZ) : BY-ER. AVINASH KULKARNI

Saturday Brain Storming Thought (263) 22/02/2025

NON DEVELOPMENT ZONE (NDZ)

In Maharashtra, India, a Non Development Zone (NDZ) is a designated area where construction and development activities are restricted or prohibited

These zones are typically established to preserve natural resources, maintain ecological balance and prevent urban sprawl

Primary objectives of NDZs

1) Environmental

Protection NDZs often encompass ecologically sensitive areas such as forests, wetlands and coastal zones

These areas are protected to maintain Bio-diversity and natural habitats

2) Green Spaces

NDZs serve as green lungs for urban areas, providing open spaces that help in reducing pollution and improving the quality of life for residents

3) Flood Control

By restricting development in certain areas, NDZs help in managing flood risks, particularly in regions prone to flooding

4) Agricultural Preservation

NDZs may include agricultural land, ensuring that farming activities can continue without the pressure of urban expansion

Key Characteristics of NDZs

1) Regulations

Development activities such as construction of buildings, roads and industrial facilities are heavily regulated or completely banned in NDZs

2) Land Use

The land in NDZs is typically reserved for activities like agriculture, forestry or recreation

Infrastructure development is minimal and controlled

3) Permits

Any exceptions or development activities within NDZs require special permissions from relevant government authorities, often involving a rigorous approval process

NDZs in Urban Planning

1) Urban Planning

NDZs are an integral part of urban planning in Maharashtra

They are delineated in city master plans and regional development plans

2) Buffer Zones

NDZs can act as buffer zones between urban areas and protected natural areas, helping to mitigate the impact of urbanization on the environment

Challanges on NDZs

1) Enforcement

Ensuring compliance with NDZ regulations can be challenging, especially in rapidly urbanizing regions where there is pressure for new developments

2) Land Use Conflicts

There can be conflicts between landowners, developers and environmentalists regarding the designation and management of NDZs

Meaning of Non Development Zone

Non Development Zone (NDZ) means an area extending fifty feet, measured on a horizontal plane, from the outer edge of the high ground water hazard area or extending to a ground elevation two feet (vertically) above the base flood level, whichever is less

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