Observing that Katra-the base camp of revered Mata Vaishno Devi Pilgrimage-is witnessing rapid expansion and commercialization in view of heavy inflow of more than one crore devotees annually, the Minister for Urban Development and Urban Local Bodies. Nawang Rigzin Jora today urged for creating better facilities and basic infrastructure in the town. He directed the Katra Development Authority to reactivate its men and machinery for the purpose. While reviewing the performance of Kata Development Authority (KDA) at a meeting convened in Civil Secretariat, Jammu, the Minister directed to formulate a realistic development Action Plan for Katra Town focusing on creation of better civic amenities.
Secretary Housing and Urban Development, Mr. Satish Nehru, Chief Town Planner, Jammu, S. Joginder Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Katra Development Authority, Joint Director, Planning, Housing and Urban Development Department, Collector Land Acquisition, Katra and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.While reviewing the Draft Master Plan 2011 for Katra, Mr. Jora asked the Chief Town Planner to incorporate all the amendments suggested by experts adding that the document should be placed in public domain without further delay. He also said all the future requirements up to 2021 and increasing pilgrim’s population should be kept in mind while finalizing the Master Plan.He also directed the concerned officers to undertake construction of the new Bus Stand in a phased manner as the present Bus Stand is inadequate to cater to the parking demand of the buses and vehicles. He asked the Collector Land acquisition to settle all issues coming in the way of land acquisition for the proposed Bus Stand so that work on it is expedited.The Minister also called for strict adherence to Building Operation Controlling Authority (BOCA) rules to check unauthorized constructions in the town. He asked the officers of KDA and Municipal Committee Katra to work in unison to avoid overlapping of development works.