Master Plan Approach in Urban Development: A Case Study of Mirzapur City, Uttar Pradesh, India

Abstract Master Plan is a long term perspective plan which deals comprehensively with the significant aspects of urban development. Mirzapur city (25o 11´15´´- 25o7´15´´N and 82o 30´E – 82o 36´ 30´´E) is located along the southern bank of the Ganges River in Eastern Uttar Pradesh, India. It is a small Indian city [Area: 38.85 Sq. km and Population: 233,691 (Census of India, 2011)]. National Highway 7 (longest in India between Kashmir in North to Kanyakumari in South) passes through it and provides an advantageous meeting point between North and South India. Besides these, two ancient cities lie East (Varanasi or Ancient Kashi) and West (Allahabad or ancient Prayag) of it. Both of the cities are highly developed in almost all the sphere of politics, social, economic, cultural and administration. In spite of its centrality, Mirzapur city seems to lack any advantage from these cities. The secular culture of city is represented by peaceful co-existence of the communities of hindus in Vindhyanchal and muslims in Kantit Sharif. The city has been famous for its carpet and brassware industry ever since the middle periods [16th century]. There are many beautiful natural spots and hills on the outskirts of the city as Rajdari, Devdari, Lakhaniyadari, Windom falls, Sirshi etc. River Ganges has been the life of this city. The city is in a very sorry state today. The development of the city is almost stagnant since last five-six decades. Although there is a master plan prepared by Mirzapur Vindhyanchal Development Authority, but it has not helped the urban development. The present paper is based on the study of the Master plan of the city with focus on finding significant problems and challenges. The study concludes with the major findings and recommendations for the sustainable development of the city.