The Parliament has passed the Urban Development Bill, introduced by Villingili Parliament member Azim Abdul Azeez. 

The bill which passed with a voice vote supported by 70 lawmakers, sets out guidelines for zoning, land use, and project monitoring while ensuring uniform standards in urban development. It also encourages public participation and prohibits development in protected areas, archaeological sites, and natural landscapes.

A key aspect of the bill is the creation of a national policy on urban area governance, to be formulated by the President with input from the Council of Ministers. The policy will be implemented by the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure.

Once ratified, the law mandates the establishment of an Urban Development Authority, which will take over responsibilities from the current urban development department under the Ministry of Construction and Infrastructure.

The bill classifies urban areas into metropolitan areas, urban regions, and urban centres. An amendment introduced at the committee stage emphasises the role of the National Development and Heritage Committee and the Decentralisation Committee in defining urban jurisdictions.