Commissioner Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, today visited Ganderbal and participated in Sewa Parv programme organized by Municipal Council Ganderbal.
Speaking on the occasion, the Commissioner Secretary said that the objective of the Sewa Parv initiative is to directly connect with people and ensure public services are delivered at their doorsteps.
She also informed the gathering about the formulation of the Master Plan for Ganderbal town, emphasizing that it will be based on existing realities and will play a key role in shaping the district’s growth and development.
She urged people to actively collaborate with the district administration to ensure the plan reflects the needs and aspirations of the community. On the sidelines of the event, Mandeep Kaur flagged off a cycle race, launched a plantation drive, and distributed cheques to beneficiaries under PMAY-U and PM SVANidhi schemes.
Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore; Director, Urban Local Bodies Kashmir, Qazi Sarwar; Chief Town Planner Kashmir, Bilquees Jeelani; ACR Ganderbal; Executive Officer, Municipal Council Ganderbal and large number of locals were also present on the occasion.
Earlier, the Commissioner Secretary convened a meeting at the Central University of Kashmir (CUK), Tullamulla, to review the formulation of the Master Plan for Ganderbal town and the University’s campus layout.
The meeting was attended by Deputy Commissioner Ganderbal, Jatin Kishore; Director, School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) New Delhi, Prof. Virendra Kumar Paul; Director, Urban Local Bodies Kashmir, Qazi Sarwar; Chief Town Planner Kashmir, Bilquees Jeelani; ACR Ganderbal; EO Municipal Council Ganderbal, besides other concerned officers.
During the meeting, the Deputy Commissioner gave an overview of Ganderbal town and adjoining areas covering key nodes like Kheer Bhawani Temple, Manasbal Lake and upcoming National Highway projects.
The Commissioner Secretary underlined the importance of preparing a comprehensive and futuristic Master Plan to ensure sustainable urban development, smart growth, and economic empowerment. She directed officers to incorporate all vital projects of the district so that the plan remains grounded in local realities.
While reviewing the University layout plan, Mandeep Kaur held detailed discussions on developmental requirements. Registrar CUK, Dr. Nisar Ahmad Mir, presented a chronological account of the University’s growth, ongoing developmental works, and future expansion plans, including academic infrastructure, drainage, and waste management systems.
Stressing on the importance of modern urban infrastructure, the Commissioner Secretary directed that robust drainage systems, rainwater harvesting measures, and other essential public utilities need to be integrated into the Master Plan before its submission to higher authorities for approval.