The development of the Multi-modal International Cargo Hub and Airport at Nagpur (MIHAN) has opened new doors to the global market for the City of Nagpur in India. As it happens so often, the resulting growth is also threatening the ecological balance of one of India’s greenest Cities. The Current growth forecasts estimate Nagpur’s population to double by the year 2030. To meet the growing demand for housing the State Government, through its Special Township Act of 2007, has attracted private developers to acquire 100 acres or more of land for development of townships. Consequently, agricultural land around the city of Nagpur is being transformed into disjointed, gated, bedroom communities with little regard for the fabric of the City. In addition to the conversion of agricultural land, existing low density areas of the city are witnessing an un-planned, hap-hazard conversion of isolated single family detached dwellings into apartment projects using outdated zoning ordinances. To manage this new growth, the Nagpur City’s jurisdictional boundaries have been expanded from 220 square kilometer “City Area” to a 9900 square kilometer “Metropolitan Area.”

K+R’s Nagpur Metropolitan Area Development Framework proposes a Smart Growth strategy that strives to achieve a Human Development Index of 0.8, while keeping the Ecological Footprint of the City to less than 2 Global Hectares per Person. To act as a template for detailed evaluation, the Framework includes a seven-part long range strategy that will not only accommodate future growth but also help preserve the existing character of the city, its agricultural, and forest resources.