J&K govt discusses master plan for Jammu

The Jammu and Kashmir government is discussing a master plan 2021 prepared by CEPT University, Ahmedabad, for Jammu city. The plan, which is intended to be implemented in the next ten years, envisages expansion of the city over twice of the present area from Purmandal to Akhnoor. The state urban development ministry recently held detailed discussion on wide ranging issues related to the prospective requirements of Jammu city and its development on scientific lines. The ministry wants to focus on modern sanitation system, green area and clearly divided residential and commercial areas, besides adequate roads to meet the increasing traffic rush. The meeting was informed that at present the existing Jammu city, with a population of 932,500 souls, is spread over on 175 sq km, while as the projected population of the city in 2021 is estimated to be near to double with 1,762,425 souls requiring an area of 404 sq km. The new Master Plan for the city proposes development of modern sanitation with Sewerage Treatment Plants (STPs), channelizing of water bodies, construction of new and widening of existing roads, flyovers, separate areas for Hospitals, Educational Institutions, gardens, parks, industrial areas, commercial areas besides by-passes on the National Highway starting from Kathua to ease traffic rush in the city.