Minister for Urban Development and Local Bodies, Nawang Rigzin Jora today said Srinagar city is famous for its beauty and splendour globally and it is the duty of government as well as every citizen to make it more attractive and preserve its cultural heritage.The Minister was addressing a workshop titled “Building Construction and Heritage Architecture” at SKICC, organised by Srinagar Municipal Corporation. Commissioner SMC, Dr. G.N. Qasba, Intach and Member National Monuments Authority, Director Local Bodies, Joint Commissioner Planning, SMC Joint Commissioner Administration SMC, Secretary SMC besides planners and architects were present on the occasion. Jora further said that Shikaras and House Boats in world famous Dal Lake not only attract visitors to have a ride but also extend hospitality for which Kashmir is famous in the world.
He said that government has set up several departments for looking after Srinagar City which include LAWDA, SMC, SDA and Urban development department and every effort is being made to give new look to old structures and also in introducing latest architecture in new complexes. Earlier, the Chief Town Planner Kashmir made a PowerPoint presentation in a separate meeting in presence of Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies Mr. Nawang Rigzin Jora. Apprising of the role and responsibilities of Town Planning Organization in shaping and guiding the development of cities and towns in the state, the Minister appreciated the efforts of Town Planning Organization in the sustained development of urban centres.After a brief overview of departmental achievements showcased by the Chief Town Planner during presentation, detailed power point presentations on the master plans of four towns which include Baramulla, Sopore, Ganderbal and Budgam were made by concerned Town Planners and consultants. The minister appreciated the efforts put in by the Town Planning Organization Kashmir in the completion of these master plans.
The Minister also directed the concerned District Development Commissioners of Baramulla and Ganderbal districts and Additional District Development Commissioner Budgam present in the meeting for early publication and notification of the master plans. It was emphasized upon the concerned District Development Commissioners and heads of local authorities to prepare the DPRs of the projects identified in the Master plans for forging linkages between spatial planning and economic planning through their annual district plans. He also directed the concerned officers to ensure the speedy implementation of the master plans for the planned development of the towns. The meeting was also attended by the Director, Urban Local Bodies Kashmir and Executive Officers of the concerned municipalities/councils.