No planned housing

Proper housing planning should extend to rural areas, conserving abundant agricultural land, a critical natural resource. Sustainable resource management resonates through judicious land allocation and eco-conscious dwelling practices. Robust housing with minimal ecological impact necessitates discouraging rampant urban expansion into productive suburban lands, considering not only present needs but also anticipating future demands in our ever-changing world.

This holistic housing approach can transform cities, suburbs, and rural areas into living ecosystems where humans coexist harmoniously with nature. A clarion call for stakeholders—government, private developers, housing boards, and citizens—to converge, composing a symphony committed to a more resourceful tomorrow.

Arable land, vital for food production, faces constant threat from rampant urbanization. Rising population demands intensified residential spaces, but without proper planning, fertile land converts to housing.

In Jammu and Kashmir, particularly Srinagar city, the alarming loss of fertile land to urbanization is exacerbated by the profit-driven interests of land mafias and private property dealers. Unplanned colonies by unregistered property dealers often receive favors for essential infrastructure development, attracting residents in need of housing facilities. However, government or housing board colonies lag in civic amenities, discouraging citizens from choosing well-planned options.

For instance, the J&K Housing Board's Ompora colony in Budgam is ecologically sound, being unirrigated, with minimal flood threats. Unfortunately, authorities' apathy toward civic amenities in such colonies drives citizens toward unplanned, private colonies on fertile lands with better infrastructure. The Ompora housing colony, though meticulously planned, is with dilapidated roads and drains, exemplifies the need for transforming government colonies into model settlements. Authorities should focus on providing better amenities, roads, drainage, electrification, and drinking water to make these colonies preferred destinations.

Addressing Ompora's Challenges: A Resident's Perspective

Being a resident of Ompora Housing Colony, I witness firsthand the significant challenges our community faces, grappling with a lack of essential amenities crucial for our well-being. Issues such as well maintained roads and drains, an unreliable supply of pure drinking water, inconsistent electricity, the absence of a dedicated marriage hall, inadequate fire and emergency services, the need for a well-equipped hospital, and the absence of a police station demand urgent attention. These deficiencies not only impede the colony's potential as a preferred destination but also necessitate immediate action from authorities.

The urgency lies in transforming Ompora into a model housing colony for the region. Authorities must address these fundamental needs promptly to enhance our quality of life. Integrating these essential amenities will not only meet the immediate needs of residents but also contribute significantly to the overall success of sustainable housing initiatives in the area. It is crucial that these issues are prioritized and resolved, ensuring that Ompora becomes a shining example of well-planned, well-equipped, and thriving housing for the benefit of all its residents.

BY AUBAID AHMAD AKHOON

Aubaid Ahmad Akhoon serves as Senior EDP Head at DD Target PMT Kashmir.