Public consultation on Anantnag-Bijbehara-Mattan Master Plan 2044 scheduled on Dec 6

Anantnag, Dec 3: The Municipal Council Anantnag (MCA) is set to hold a public awareness and clarification session on Saturday, December 6, to discuss the draft Master Plan 2044 for the Anantnag-Bijbehara-Mattan.

According to an official notification, the session aims to give residents a platform to understand key components of the proposed plan, seek clarifications from officials, raise concerns and submit suggestions before the document is finalised.

“The initiative is aimed at ensuring transparency and public participation in the urban planning process, enabling citizens to understand key components of the plan and share feedback before finalisation,” the notification said.

Citizens have been advised to attend the session and engage directly with planners and concerned officials.

The Municipal Council has also asked the public to contact its office for any additional information.

The long-delayed draft Master Plan for Anantnag and the adjoining towns of Bijbehara and Mattan was released last month for public review.

Residents and stakeholders have been given 60 days to file objections or suggestions.

Prepared by the Town Planning Organisation Kashmir (TPOK), the GIS-based Master Plan 2044 outlines zoning regulations, infrastructure priorities, environmental safeguards and development guidelines for the fast-growing urban cluster.

The draft document has been made available for public scrutiny on the official district website.

A public notice issued by the Deputy Commissioner, Anantnag, said the plan “proposes land use, zoning, infrastructure, buffer and related measures that have direct bearing on property rights, development prospects and public amenities within the area covered by the plan.”

Officials say that in the absence of a comprehensive master plan, Anantnag has witnessed unregulated urban sprawl, resulting in traffic congestion, encroachments and diminishing open spaces.

“Anantnag has grown haphazardly over the years, and we need a holistic plan that prioritises transport and public utilities rather than just construction,” said a senior town planner.

With a population density of around 1,250 people per square Kilometre, Anantnag ranks among the most densely populated towns in Kashmir. Bijbehara, known as Chinar Town for its heritage trees and Mattan (Martand), an ancient settlement known for its historic ruins, face similar pressures of congestion and unplanned expansion.

Authorities have said all objections and suggestions received within the 60-day period will be examined under the J&K Development Act, 1970, and the Development Authority Rules, 1976. If needed, further public consultations or hearings will be announced separately.