Srinagar, June 13: J&K administration is aiming to adopt a policy that seeks to encourage voluntary land contribution by land owners for creating “planned urban spaces” for private sector development.
As a first step, the draft Land Pooling Policy document has put in public domain on the website of the Housing and Urban Development Department for suggestions/comments.
According to the draft document accessed by Ziraat Times, “the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir stands at a critical juncture in its developmental trajectory and with a rich historical heritage, diverse cultural landscape, and abundant natural beauty, the region has immense potential for growth and modernization.”
“However, to unlock this potential, there is a pressing need for innovative urban planning and sustainable development strategies that can address the challenges of land fragmentation, inadequate infrastructure, and uneven economic development. In this context, the introduction of a Land Pooling Policy marks a significant milestone”, the draft argues.
“This policy aims to harness the expertise, resources, and efficiency of private developers to create well-planned, vibrant urban spaces that meet the needs of our growing population. By consolidating fragmented land parcels and ensuring equitable development, the policy seeks to transform the urban landscape of Jammu and Kashmir, fostering economic growth, enhancing the quality of life for residents, and preserving the region’s environmental and cultural integrity”, the document further reads.
If adopted, here is what the policy entails:
Voluntary Participation:
Landowners can voluntarily contribute their land, which will be pooled together for planned development.
Equitable Distribution:
After development, landowners receive a share of the developed land proportional to their original contribution.
Infrastructure Development:
The draft policy emphasizes creating necessary infrastructure, such as roads, water supply, sewage, and public amenities, within the pooled land.
The policy is currently in the public domain for suggestions and feedback, and can be accessed on the websites of Housing and Urban Development Department, J&K.
