Srinagar Master Plan–2035 amendments await cabinet approval

Srinagar, Mar 9: The amendments to the Srinagar Master Plan–2035 are awaiting cabinet approval.
Documents reveal that the Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) approved a short-term review of the Master Plan during its 82nd meeting.
Later, the committee constituted by the SDA for this task was restructured to include representatives from the Srinagar Municipal Corporation and the Lakes & Conservation Management Authority.
After examining objections and suggestions received from public, the committee prepared a comprehensive report containing its findings and recommendations.
The draft proposal submitted by the committee was presented in a meeting held on January 01, 2025, under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary.
Subsequently, on June 17, 2025, another committee was constituted to examine the feasibility of Town Planning Scheme (TPS) areas and to identify any TPS area(s), if necessary, for the removal of preconditions related to issuing building permissions in such areas.
The committee was also tasked with examining directions and orders issued by the High Court of Jammu & Kashmir and Ladakh. Based on the Court’s orders regarding buffer zones of Dal and Nigeen lakes, the committee was asked to propose amendments to the Srinagar Master Plan–2035 and incorporate the directions accordingly.
As per a document, the committee headed by the Divisional Commissioner Kashmir submitted its report to the Administrative Department.
“The Department has examined the recommendations of both committees,” the document read.
After examining the recommendations, the Housing & Urban Development Department circulated a cabinet note among all the administrative departments and Heads of Departments of Housing & Urban Development for seeking their comments, views, and concurrence, which are being compiled for submission to the Council of Ministers for consideration and approval.
“Once the proposal seeking amendments to the Srinagar Master Plan–2035 is approved by the Council of Ministers, necessary modifications will be made to the Master Plan and the same will be notified under the relevant provisions of the J&K Development Act, 1970, and the Rules framed thereunder,” the document states. (KNO)