Ishtiyaq Ahmad
Early Times Report
Srinagar, Nov 26: There has been no progress in implementation of projects coming under metropolitan region development authorities (MRDA) in Jammu and Srinagar.
Over 94 lakh kanals of land has been identified for implementation of projects coming under metropolitan region development authorities (MRDA) in Jammu and Srinagar.
In July this year, the government announced creation of Jammu Metropolitan Region Development Authority and Srinagar Metropolitan Region Development Authority - to provide an integrative framework for the purpose of planned development of these regions.
However, there has been no progress in implementation of the project. "The project is stuck. There has been negligible progress for last four months," an official said. "Officials are not concerned for its implementation," the official said.
As per the details, the government has identified 94,22,465 kanals of land in 2559 villages of 14 districts in the state.
In Kashmir, 1452 villages comprising of 4989304 kanals of land would be covered under MRDA.
In Srinagar district, 124 villages comprising 514116 kanals of land would be covered under it. In Pulwama, 922715 kanals of land in 240 villages have been identified for implementation of projects under MRDA.
Similarly, 331799, 1049195, 451400, 142461 would be covered in Kulgam, Baramulla, Shopian, and Bandipora districts respectively.
Five districts-Jammu, Samba, Kuthua, Reasi, Udhampur comprising 44,33,161 will be under MRDA.
As per the documents, these authorities have to plan an infrastructure development plan. "In the next few years, the MRDAs will be to reduce the deficit on infrastructure like water supply, roads, sewage, drainage, light rails, e-buses and other amenities."
"The authorities will also develop satellite townships in Greater Jammu and Greater Srinagar. Million sq ft IT parks will also be developed in these townships," the document reads.
The MRDAs as per the document have been selected on the principles of regional planning and development.
An official of Housing and Urban Development Department said all types of land are being covered under MRDAs. "Besides government's land, we have also identified the private land which is to be acquired under it. But there are some land owners who are not willing to provide the land saying that government is paying them less amount for the land as compared to the market value," the official said.
He said the land owners have been demanding passing of an ordinance on Land Acquisition Act so that present Land Acquisition law of Jammu Kashmir is repealed and new one is brought in place enabling "fair compensation during acquisition". |
