Formulation of GIS-Based Master Plan for Udhampur Town discussed

UDHAMPUR: A preliminary meeting of stakeholders was today held here at the Conference Hall DC Office Complex to discuss the modalities for preparation of the Draft local area plan under the GIS-based Master Plan for Udhampur town and its adjoining areas. The meeting was attended virtually by MLA Udhampur West Pawan Kumar Gupta and MLA Chenani Balwant Singh Mankotia, former DDC Council Chairman Lal Chand.

Additional Deputy Commissioner Prem Singh, PO Poshan Subash Dogra, Assistant Commissioner Revenue Dr. Umesh Shan, Chief Planning Officer Uttam Singh, district officers and other stakeholders were present during the meeting.

Dr. Sakshi, representing the Project Coordinator from the Centre of Urban Planning for Capacity Building, Guru Nanak Dev University, Amritsar, also joined the meeting virtually. She delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation outlining the roadmap of the project and the key parameters for formulation of the Local Area Plan.

The presentation focused on planned urban growth, environmental sustainability, improvement in quality of life, economic prosperity and the development of efficient infrastructure and public services. It was informed that Udhampur town and its peripheral areas meeting the prescribed parameters would be incorporated into the final Master Plan after taking into consideration the suggestions and inputs of elected representatives and stakeholders.

The meeting was further informed that a comprehensive survey process would soon be initiated for the collection of vital data required for scientific and evidence-based planning. The identified gaps and issues would subsequently be placed in the public domain to seek suggestions and feedback before finalisation of the plan.

MLA Udhampur West stressed the need to address various pressing urban issues through the planning process. He underscored the importance of meticulous and people-centric planning, stating that the proposed plan should be formulated in a manner that strengthens urban infrastructure without adversely affecting existing facilities and the people dependent upon them. He also called for an extensive, data-driven survey to ensure effective and sustainable planning.

MLA Chenani emphasized the need to take into account the developmental requirements of the areas adjoining Udhampur town to ensure their systematic and balanced growth in the future. He stressed the importance of wide publicity and called for seeking inputs and suggestions from all stakeholders.

The meeting decided that consultations with stakeholders would be carried out in a continuous and participatory manner during the formulation of the Master Plan. It was also resolved that a follow-up meeting would be convened after completion of the survey process and compilation of findings to deliberate upon the observations and take the planning process forward in a comprehensive manner.

Former DDC Council Chairman Lal Chand also spoke on the occasion and suggested involving all stakeholders in the planning exercise and incorporating their valuable inputs to make the Master Plan more effective, inclusive and practical.