JKLA panel calls for strict adherence to Master Plans

"The norms of Master Plans in Jammu, Srinagar and Katra need to be implemented strictly as violations hamper proper development," Chairman of the panel Hakim Muhammad Yasin said today.

The Estimates Committee (EC) of Jammu and Kashmir Assembly headed by Yasin reviewed the functioning of Housing and Urban Development Department and also held a threadbare discussion on the housing policy presently in vogue in the state.

The Committee members asked the departments concerned to take action against the violators, particularly with regard to the violation of building plans and conversion of residential buildings into commercial centres.

The Chairman instructed the authorities of the HUDD to submit detailed list of illegal shopping malls and marriage halls along with their registration and fee structure for the scrutiny of the committee.

The Chairman enquired about the dog menace and measures being taken by the authorities to tackle the problem.

"The dogs have become a great public nuisance in the capital cities and need to be dealt effectively," the Members of the Committee pointed out.

Listing the measures taken in this regard, Commissioner, Srinagar Municipal Corporation (SMC) Ghulam Nabi Qasba said the government has taken several steps to control dog menace, including most scientific method of sterilisation of 91,000 canines in and around Srinagar city.

Srinagar Development Authority (SDA) Vice Chairman Farooq Renzushah informed the meeting that a multi-storey parking is being constructed at old KMD Adda in Srinagar at an estimated cost of Rs 1.32 crore for which tenders have been floated.