Srinagar Conclave on Urban Planning yields key recommendations

Srinagar, July 5: The two-day Srinagar Conclave on urban planning, organised by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) at Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Center (SKICC), concluded successfully here today.

The high-level Committee, headed by Chairman Keshav Varma, focused on advancing urban planning reforms across India.

On the second day of the Conclave, extensive discussions and deliberations were held among the representatives from various states, urban planners and other stakeholders. These sessions yielded many recommendations for the Committee's final report, focusing on future urbanization strategies that integrate cultural heritage preservation and state-specific development models.

Keshav Varma led the sessions, emphasizing the need for future urbanization strategies that integrate asset management systems, including cultural and heritage assets of smaller cities. He also stressed the importance of identifying strengths, adopting state-specific models and focusing on natural conservation while tailoring development regulations for different zones. He added that the outcomes of Srinagar Conclave are expected to play a crucial role in shaping sustainable and resilient urban development strategies for the future.

Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, addressed the concluding session, expressing optimism that the discussions and recommendations from the Conclave will significantly incorporate the final report. She also highlighted the potential for cooperative efforts to address urban issues effectively.

Sanjeev Kumar, former CEO IRSDC (WB), Satish Chandra, Chairman RERA, members of High Level Committee as well as urban and town planning experts and senior officials also attended the sessions.