Avinash Azad
In response to a question by Chenani MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia regarding alleged violations of the Master Plan in towns across Jammu & Kashmir, the government categorically denied any such violations, stating, “No, Sir.”
When asked whether the government intends to review the Master Plan for all towns every five years, the government clarified that only those towns where Master Plans were prepared more than five years ago will be reviewed.
“No, Sir. Only those where Master Plans have been prepared more than five years back are going to be reviewed,” the government stated in its response. Regarding the alleged delay in reviewing the Master Plans of Udhampur, Kathua, and Katra in a time-bound manner, the government informed the Assembly that the review process has already begun.
It further stated that a Centre of Excellence, under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), will soon conduct a detailed exercise under the Jammu & Kashmir Development Act. The government assured that necessary steps are being taken to ensure planned urban development across the region.