BANDIPORA, MAY 12: Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Indu Kanwal Chib, today chaired a stakeholder meeting to discuss the Draft GIS-Based Master Plan Bandipora 2026–2046 prepared by the Town Planning Organisation, Kashmir.
During the meeting, officials from the Town Planning Organisation presented the methodology for formulation of the GIS-based Master Plan and highlighted the objectives and importance of the Master Plan in addressing unplanned urban growth, infrastructure deficit, environmental concerns, population pressure and economic diversification in the district.
The meeting discussed various components of the draft plan including Local Planning Area (LPA)- delineation, social and demographic profile, population projections for 2046, traffic and transportation, physical infrastructure with focus on water supply, sewerage and solid waste management, and social infrastructure including education and health sectors.
A detailed SWOT analysis covering strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats of the district was also deliberated upon. The Vision 2046 framework and spatial strategy based on a polycentric and three-tier development model were discussed in detail along with proposed land use and residential strategy for 2046.
The meeting also deliberated upon strategic road network development, identification of economic pillars including proposed IT/AI Park, agro-processing and medical sectors, and promotion of sustainable tourism in the district.
During the discussion, stakeholders emphasized sustainable development, balanced urban expansion and improved public infrastructure.
The Deputy Commissioner stressed the need for inclusive and participatory planning and directed that the draft plan be kept open for public feedback and suggestions. She reiterated that inputs received from stakeholders and the public would be incorporated in the revised draft of the Master Plan.
Among others, the meeting was attended by Additional District Development Commissioner Bandipora, Additional Deputy Commissioner Bandipora, Divisional Forest Officer, Chief Town Planner Kashmir, SE PWD (R&B) and KPDCL, ACD, ACP, Executive Engineers of various departments, officers of Municipal Committees, representatives of trade bodies and civil society members.
