
A meeting to discuss various aspects of GIS-based Draft Master Plan–2044 for Anantnag, Bijbehara and Mattan towns with public representatives, line departments and other stakeholders was held today at Dak Bunglalow, Khanabal.
The meeting was attended by MLA Anantnag West, Abdul Majeed Bhat, MLA Shangus (Anantnag East), Reyaz Ahmad Khan, ADC, Vikas Ahlawat, Chief Town Planner, CPO, CHO, Exens Irrigation and REW, CEO MCA, EOs of MCs Bijbehara and Mattan, officials from Pollution Control Board besides representatives of market and trader association, civil society members and other stakeholders attended the meeting.
The proceedings focused on evaluating inputs received from various stakeholders to ensure comprehensive and planned urban development in the region.
The ADC informed that the Draft Master Plan 2044 is available on District Website and about 150 objections/suggestions have been received from general public, traders association and other stakeholders so far.
During the meeting, key aspects of the Draft Master Plan were reviewed and discussed threadbare. A detailed GIS-based map was presented, highlighting various land-use categories including residential, commercial, agricultural, industrial, and horticultural zones across the three towns. It was informed that a primary survey of all three towns viz Anantnag, Bijbehara, and Mattan, has been conducted to gather ground-level data for effective planning.
On the occasion, regional-level issues were deliberated upon, with emphasis on addressing key developmental challenges in a coordinated manner.
The stakeholders stressed the need to give a practical and implementable shape to the Master Plan and to address all genuine concerns and suggestions while finalizing the document. They decided that the plan be tailored to cater to the futuristic needs of people living in and vicinity of these towns while ensuring protection of the environment and sustainable use of natural resources.
The main objective of the Master Plan–2044 is to regulate urban growth in a planned and systematic way, ensuring balanced and sustainable development and optimal utilization of resources.