Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, May 30: The J&K Regional Branch of Indian Institute of Public Administration organized a seminar on “Future of Jammu Urbanization vis-a-vis New Master Plan” here today.
The seminar was attended by officers of JMC, JDA, ERA, Town Planning, FCI, J&K Police, CWS, members of IIPA and civil society.
Vinod Malhotra, District Development Commissioner (Retd), Govt of J&K laid down the background of the theme and said that urban transition has to be managed while taking full advantage of the Centrally sponsored schemes. Citing the examples of planning practices especially of Gujarat and Haryana, he said that the concept of land pooling and regulating the development by private colonizers can be adopted for future development of modern cities in J&K. He emphasized that the Urban Development Act should be amended and the public private partnership in city development should be encouraged.
Soujanya Sharma, Commissioner, Jammu Municipal Corporation while speaking on the theme said that creation of smart city is the process which also requires behavioural changes as well as the change of mindset of the citizens of the State. He said that one of the major concern with reference to the planned and sustainable development of city is the phenomenon of land encroachments especially on the areas earmarked for public infrastructure and utilities. Citing few international examples of city development, he said that the heritage of the cities should be protected while planning the modernization of the urban cities.
B R Sharma, in his presidential remarks said it is critical to have a vision and mission and then the action plan can be worked in coherence with the vision. He said that with increasing civic activism, the process of development and citizen involvement will accelerate in the future. He urged upon the members to critically evaluate the proposed Master Plan and contribute suggestions to ensure that Jammu develops on the lines of the smart city.
Hamid Wani, Chief Town Planner, JDA shared the draft Master Plan of Jammu for 2032, which is expected to cover over 650 sq km area. He said that community engagement should be encouraged in the development of the master plans. He said that efforts are being undertaken to declare Jammu as the Jammu Metropolitan area keeping in view the expected future growth of the Jammu region.
Dr S K Chadha, Deputy Project Manager, ERA while sharing the role of ERA in the development of Jammu city said that the service level benchmarks as envisioned by Ministry of Urban Development should be kept in mind while preparing the Master Plan. He said successful transformation of cities requires reforms, capacity building, citizen involvement and the political will.
Prof Alka Sharma, Director, Seminars, IIPA (J&K) in her welcome address said that urban areas are engine of inclusive growth and planned transformation is critical in future. Dr Komal Nagar, Joint Director (Seminars) conducted the proceedings of the function and Dr Anil Gupta, joint secretary presented the formal vote of thanks. J B S Johar, honorary secretary, IIPA J&K Regional Branch was also present during the function. A newsletter of J&K Regional Branch of IIPA was also released on the occasion.
During the interaction the members presented their views, suggesting that garbage management, traffic management, easing of slums, coordination between various agencies and focus on sanitation should be stressed and strict enforcement of law is critical.
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