Activists Demand Halt to Urban Plan in Podgorica, Call for New Proposal

Activists from the non-governmental organization Grupa KANA have initiated a request to the Secretariat for Spatial Planning and Sustainable Development of Podgorica to halt the ongoing implementation of the urban development plan known as DUP “Zabjelo-Ljubović”. They are advocating for the creation of a new local planning document to be included in the spatial development program for Podgorica scheduled for 2026.

According to Grupa KANA, the existing plan should have been annulled back in 2014 when its intended duration expired. They argue that it should never have been reinstated among the active planning documents after the municipal authorities suspended it in 2020, citing concerns that further implementation could jeopardize public interest. Despite these concerns, construction continues to proceed under the DUP “Zabjelo-Ljubović,” leading to a growing number of complaints from local residents.

The organization emphasizes that the responsible authorities, as defined by the 2025 Law on Spatial Planning, now must take accountability, cease the execution of this plan, and embark on a new planning process characterized by transparency and public participation.

In their initiative, shared on social media, Grupa KANA detailed their stance on the situation. They provided a comprehensive overview of the developments concerning the DUP and articulated why a new plan is urgently needed for the area. The public is invited to engage in the ongoing consultation process, which remains open until December 31, 2023, to help shape the future of urban planning in Podgorica.

As the issues surrounding this urban development plan continue to unfold, Grupa KANA remains committed to advocating for a planning process that prioritizes community needs and values public input.