*Illegal colonies to be transferred on recovery of cost
Mohinder Verma
JAMMU, Feb 27: The new Master Plan, which has been drafted keeping in view 20.50 lakh estimated population of Jammu by 2032, will play crucial role in regulating the problems of haphazard and unplanned growth in the peripheral areas of Jammu. Moreover, besides proposing steps for decongesting the existing limits, sufficient area has also been earmarked as green belts, which serve as lungs for the cities and towns.
According to the details of the draft Master Plan Jammu 2032, which are available with EXCELSIOR, the revision of Master Plan 2021 was taken up not only as a statutory requirement under the provisions of the J&K Development Act, 1970 but also to address the discrepancies and ambiguities of earlier Master Plan(s).
Moreover, the revision became imperative in view of fast expansion of Jammu city, traffic and transportation issues, rising demand of housing, infrastructure and services and unauthorized habitations and spontaneous urban growth.
The area of Jammu Master Plan 2021 was 305 square kilometer but the same has been increased to 652.32 square kilometer under the revised Master Plan with estimated population of Jammu at 20.50 lakh by 2032. The revised Master Plan would be applicable up to Supwal village in Samba district from present jurisdiction up to Vijaypur only.
Towards Bishnah, the Master Plan 2032 limits would be up to Bishnah from present boundary of village Bag-Jagir while as towards R S Pura road, the limits have been extended from Bhalol Nullah to Simbal and towards Akhnoor Road the limits would be up to Chak Mahani from existing boundary of Purkhoo. As far as Jammu-Srinagar National Highway direction is concerned, the limits of new Master Plan would be up to Ban Talab, Nagrota from present boundary of Nagrota town.
A total of 324 villages would come under the new Master Plan 2032 and 103 new villages have been included recently following much-awaited approval of Revenue Department. As per the details, the extension of Master Plan limits is aimed to regulate the problems of undesired haphazard and unplanned growth in the peripheral areas of Jammu, which otherwise are adding liabilities of extension of services.
As far as proposed Greater Jammu is concerned, it will include Municipal Corporation of Jammu, Municipal Committees of Ghomanhasan and Bishnah in district Jammu and Bari Brahamana and Vijaypur in Samba district.
Under the new Master Plan, the Jammu Development Authority has proposed re-densification of low density areas of Sidhra, Birpur, Bari Brahamana extensions, Vijaypur extensions, Satwari extensions, Lalie Chak, Balwal, Purkhoo, Mishriwala, Sangrampur and Chawadi etc. Moreover, it has proposed in-situ up-gradation of slum pockets—Rajeev Nagar, Qasim Nagar, Kabir Colony, B C Road near Model Academy, Dhounthly (Lower Circular Road), Gurha Bakshi Nagar, Bawa Basti, Gole Panjpeer, Qasim Nagar (Bahu Fort), Sheikh Nagar (Bahu Fort), Kalka Colony (Bahu Fort), Muthi Bridge, Pata Paloura and others.
Moreover, the unauthorized and illegal colonies existing on Government/JDA land have also been proposed to be transferred after recovering ‘just’ cost of land through proper consultative process. Even 20% of flats/plots would be developed for Economically Weaker Sections and Low Income Group in each housing project as non-availability of housing facilities compel these groups to fall trap in the net of the land mafia and the same results into coming up of unauthorized and illegal colonies.
Laying stress on decentralization of core activities to harmonize the city development, the draft Master Plan has proposed two District Centres at Bhalwal in North and at Badali near Vijaypur in South. Moreover, four additional Sub-CBDs on the pattern of Bahu Plaza have been proposed at Gajan Singh Pura, Miran Sahib, Raipur Koller and Sarore.
Moreover, one each Integrated Fleet Complex would come up on Jammu-Pathankot Road near Vijaypur and the Akhnoor Road near Gajan Singhpur. Most importantly, shifting of Ware House near Vijaypur and development of Nehru Market as District Commercial Headquarters have also been proposed in the Master Plan 2032.
The other important salient features include new industrial clusters at Bhadwal near Vijaypur, Sarore and Sakinderpur; major industrial zone at Badwal near Vijaypur and development of comprehensive traffic and transportation system including mono-rail, BRT corridors, new roads and parking as per the recommendation of City Mobility Plan.
Under new Master Plan, 34.13 square kilometer has been proposed as green space, which acts as lungs for any city and town. Even 30.87 square kilometer has been earmarked for recreation and 28.14 square kilometer as special area.
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