Govt to hire experts to improve urban infra

Sumit Hakhoo

Tribune News Service

Jammu, June 23

After overlooking illegal construction and faulty development for decades, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has now decided to hire experts to correct and redevelop urban infrastructure facilities in the two capital cities.

Though a senior official in the Urban Development Department said the task was challenging keeping in view the political interference which had come in the way of stopping illegal settlements and unplanned expansion of commercial spaces, the services of experts were being sought for micro-level planning.

The suggestions will be sought to improve the delivery system before the implementation of ‘Master Plan 2032- Jammu and Srinagar’.

Under the ambitious project, cities will be divided into small zones each having its separate plan so that there is improvement in the delivery of basic facilities.

Experts are being hired in the fields of heritage, environment, transport, urban design, finance, tourism and disaster management.

“If everything goes as planned without political interference, Jammu, the winter capital of J&K, inhabited by 7.5 lakh people, could see its first modern study to save it from further degradation,” said a senior administrative official in the Urban Development Department.

The city, a political and trade centre during the erstwhile Dogra dynasty, got its first 20-year plan in 1978 and another one in 2004. But it is still without a dedicated site for disposal of solid waste, a public transport system, flyovers and road infrastructure and no clear plan to divide the city into commercial and residential areas. Jammu, which has seen ruthless illegal expansion since 1990, has become a refuge of lakhs of militancy-affected people.

Jammu Development Authority vice-chairman Rajesh Shrivan said experts were being hired for micro-level planning of zones. “Master plans have given an overview of the future but experts will suggest ways to improve services and alter the existing infrastructure to meet the needs of coming decades,” said Shrivan.

However, environmentalist Bushan Parimoo said the government had set ambitious targets but to succeed, there was need a of political acumen. “Jammu has emerged as the most unplanned city due to corruption and lack of foresight by the planners. There is a need for complete transformation of administrative structure and existing urban laws. Mere hiring of experts will not change the fate of the city, which is being mercilessly exploited,” said Parimoo. Till 2003, the city was having an area of just 32 sq km but now, the city limits are spread to 112 sq km comprising of 71 municipal wards.