Seven years have passed since the notification of the Jammu Master Plan 2032, yet the Jammu Development Authority (JDA) seems stuck in a quagmire of inaction. Despite promises and official statements emphasizing the importance of micro-level planning through Zonal Plans, little progress has been made, leaving the city’s development adrift and unchecked. The Jammu Master Plan 2032’s implementation has been marred by a glaring lack of attention to detail, particularly in the formulation of Zonal Plans. These plans, essential for delineating priorities and effectively managing land use, remain conspicuously absent. The shortcomings of the previous master plan, Jammu Master Plan-2021, were acknowledged, including outdated data inputs, unrealistic vision, and inadequate stakeholder participation. Yet, the transition to the revised plan has been plagued by the same issues, exacerbated by a failure to learn from past mistakes.
Zonal plans serve as the backbone of effective urban development, ensuring that land resources are utilised judiciously and in the best interests of the community. Affordable housing, essential for addressing the needs of diverse segments of the population, remains a distant dream without the framework provided by these plans. Despite assurances of progress, the reality on the ground paints a starkly different picture. This inertia is not only disappointing but also detrimental to the city’s future. Land, a scarce and non-renewable resource, cannot afford to be squandered through indecision and delay. The reasons behind this inertia remain shrouded in mystery, leaving the citizens of Jammu to wonder why their development needs are being neglected. The consequences of inaction are dire. Unbridled growth, unchecked urban sprawl, and a failure to address the needs of the populace will only exacerbate existing challenges. Only through proactive planning and implementation can the aspirations of the Jammu Master Plan 2032 be realized. The development of Zonal Plans must be expedited, with a renewed focus on stakeholder engagement and adherence to realistic targets. The JDA must heed the calls for action and prioritise the development of Zonal Plans without further delay. The future of Jammu depends on it.
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