Member Legislative Assembly(AC 52-Doda), Mehraj Din Malik along with District Development Commissioner Krishan Lal, today presided over a comprehensive meeting regarding the preparation and implementation of the GIS-based Master Plan for Doda Town.
At the outset, the DC provided a detailed overview of the proposed master plan and highlighted the importance of scientific and technology-driven urban planning for the sustainable development of the district.
The meeting was attended by officers from across the line departments, including Town Planning, Revenue, PWD, Rural Development, Forest, Health, Education, Fire and Emergency Services, MVD, Traffic Department, Food and Civil Supplies, Municipal authorities, Statistics and Evaluation Office, besides other concerned agencies.
Detailed deliberations were held on the use of Geographic Information System (GIS) technology for planned development, land use mapping, road connectivity, disaster management, environmental conservation, infrastructure development and regulation of construction activities in urban as well as rural areas of the district.
The DDC stressed the need for inter-departmental coordination and directed all departments to provide updated records, maps and field data for the timely preparation of an accurate and people-centric master plan.
Planner Shivani Garg from Guru Nanak Dev University delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the proposed GIS-based Master Plan for Doda town. The presentation covered important aspects related to zoning, traffic management, public utility spaces, drainage systems, green zones, tourism potential, beautification projects and future infrastructure requirements for the town. Stakeholders also participated virtually and shared valuable suggestions for making the master plan more practical, sustainable and development-oriented. The DDC emphasized that the GIS-based planning system would ensure transparency in decision-making, better resource management, systematic urban expansion and improved civic amenities for the public.
The participating departments shared their valuable suggestions and sector-specific inputs for the formulation of a comprehensive and well-developed master plan. Officers highlighted the need for proper zoning, expansion of road networks, preservation of environmentally sensitive areas, strengthening of drainage systems, development of public amenities, protection of agricultural land and creation of sustainable urban infrastructure. The departments also emphasized coordinated planning to meet future population growth and developmental requirements of the district
Speaking at the meeting, MLA Mehraj Din Malik highlighted the need for a modern and public-friendly master plan equipped with proper waste disposal systems, beautified parks, open gym facilities, better drainage networks and adequate public utilities. He stressed the importance of uninterrupted electricity supply in schools and other public institutions and urged departments to launch large-scale plantation drives, particularly on vacant forest land and government premises, with special focus on fruit-bearing plants. He also emphasized inclusive public participation from all sections of society in the planning process to ensure balanced and holistic development of Doda town.
The MLA emphasized the need for proper demarcation and rationalization of municipal limits to ensure planned urban expansion and effective civic management in Doda town. He also raised concern over the sinking zones identified in certain areas of Doda city and stressed that timely preventive and protective measures must be taken to safeguard public property, infrastructure and human lives. The MLA underscored the importance of incorporating disaster-resilient planning and scientific assessment in the GIS-based Master Plan so that future development is carried out in a safe, sustainable and environmentally balanced manner.
The DC further informed that the district administration is working towards strengthening water supply infrastructure on a large scale and reiterated that environmental protection and plantation drives would remain an integral part of the proposed master plan.