RAMBAN, SEPTEMBER 22: The second round of interaction on the Master Plans for Ramban and Banihal towns was today held with civil society members and other stakeholders to deliberate on the draft plans and incorporate local concerns before submission for final approval.
The meeting was chaired by Deputy Commissioner Mohammad Alyas Khan and attended by Chief Town Planner Jagdish Raj Hans; CPO Dr. Shakeeb Ahmed Rather; Senior Town Planner Manoj Kumar; ACD Mohammad Ashfaq and other officers and prominent citizens.
The Chief Town Planner and Senior Town Planner briefed participants on the objectives, methodology and salient features of the draft Master Plans. They explained that both plans aim to make the towns vibrant, livable and future-ready by rationalizing land use, controlling haphazard growth, bridging infrastructure gaps and promoting sustainable, systematic urban development.
Participants raised several issues related to land suitability, drainage flood control and development of public utilities. Responding to the queries, the Town Planning officers clarified various provisions of the plans and assured that the feedback would be duly considered in the final drafts.
The Deputy Commissioner directed the concerned authorities to specifically address the provision of drainage systems in both Ramban and Banihal towns. He also instructed that the Parnote land subsidence area and the impact of the upcoming Sawalkote Hydro Power Project on low-lying areas identified under the Ramban Master Plan must be carefully factored into planning proposals.
The Draft Master Plan Ramban covers an area of 34.44 sq. km, envisaging planned development including seven villages — Pernote, Seri, Maitra, Govindpura, Tatarsoo, Chanderkot, Karol and Neera. The plan projects the town’s population to grow from 17,461 (2011 Census) to 49,969 by 2035 and proposes rationalized land use, transport planning, riverfront development, an industrial area in Neera, sewage treatment facilities and other infrastructure improvements.
Similarly, the Draft Master Plan Banihal spans 19.72 sq. km, covering additional eight villages — Bankote, Charel Lamber (Deshipora), Deogal, Gund Adalkoot, Karawa, Kaskoot, Nagam and Zanhal. It anticipates a population increase from 21,156 (2011 Census) to 36,000 by 2035 and proposes systematic expansion along NH-44 and the railway corridor, development of bus stands, waste management systems, green belts, agro-industrial hubs, health and education facilities and improved public amenities to meet future needs.
The Deputy Commissioner also directed the NHAI and BRO to provide the layout plan of their roads and bridges falling within the identified areas. The Tehsildars of Ramban and Banihal were directed to provide the cadastral maps of their respective tehsils to the concerned.
The DC further instructed the Town Planning Organisation to consider all genuine suggestions submitted by the public. Appreciating the active participation of citizens, the Deputy Commissioner urged them to continue extending constructive feedback so that the final Master Plans truly reflect local aspirations and lay the foundation for sustainable growth and a better quality of life in both towns.
