The state administration has ordered the establishment of “Urban Design Cells” in all municipal corporations and councils in an effort to improve urban aesthetics and protect iconic cityscapes. The Urban Development Department is spearheading the effort, which seeks to strike a balance between architectural and cultural preservation and fast urban growth.
An official order issued on March 28, 2025, underlines the importance of safeguarding each city’s unique identity while guiding systematic beautification efforts. “With cities growing swiftly and new urban centres emerging, it is crucial to maintain their cultural and aesthetic essence. The ‘Urban Design Cell’ will play a key role in ensuring visually cohesive urban development,” the order states.
Professionals in urban development, such as town planners, city engineers, heritage specialists, architects, structural engineers, and senior citizens who have made substantial contributions to the improvement of the city, will make up each “Urban Design Cell.” Furthermore, the project will be supported by the appointment of non-governmental sector specialists from 421 planning agencies, including 234 municipal councils and 28 municipal corporations.
For major municipal corporations such as Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur, Thane, Pimpri-Chinchwad, and Nashik, the municipal commissioner will chair the cell. In other municipal bodies, the Director of Town Planning, Pune, will assume leadership.
Preserving historical sites, creating master plans for heritage conservation, and developing municipal beautification plans are among the “Urban Design Cell’s” primary duties. In order to make sure that commercial, industrial, and agricultural developments complement the city’s legacy, the cell will also offer suggestions for incorporating historical and cultural components into infrastructure projects.
Additionally, the initiative emphasises enhancing public spaces, improving the surroundings of historic sites like forts and temples, and ensuring that transport, health, and education facilities blend seamlessly with the city’s aesthetic landscape.
It is anticipated that this calculated action will promote aesthetically pleasing and culturally grounded urban growth, reaffirming the state’s dedication to well-planned and attractive communities.
Source: Hindustan Times
