Baramulla, Oct 11: MLA Baramulla Javid Hassan Baig has sought an appointment with Chief Minister Omar Abdullah to discuss recommendations for the town’s proposed Master Plan, focusing on traffic decongestion, public safety, market redevelopment, environmental conservation and tourism-led development.
In a press statement issued after holding discussion with the stake holders of Baramulla Master plan at Dak Bunglow Baramulla on Sunday, Baig said a committee comprising prominent members of the community had been constituted to prepare a draft of recommendations to be submitted to the Chief Minister for consideration.
He said the proposed recommendations focus on urban decongestion, public safety, traffic management, commercial redevelopment, environmental conservation and tourism promotion, with an emphasis on addressing Baramulla’s growing civic and infrastructural challenges.
Calling for a comprehensive safety audit of buildings and public infrastructure, Baig proposed that government offices, hospitals, educational institutions, commercial establishments and residential structures be assessed to identify potential structural vulnerabilities and reduce the risk of disasters.
He also called for a phased decongestion and urban improvement plan for Old Town Baramulla, Khanpora and Khawaja Bagh, taking into account population density, traffic movement, commercial activity and the availability of land.
The MLA suggested relocating government offices that do not require a central-town location to suitable alternative sites to ease traffic congestion and parking pressure.
He also proposed a town-wide parking strategy and the modernisation and phased redevelopment of major market buildings in accordance with contemporary architectural and safety standards.
To improve the organisation of commercial activities, Baig called for planned commercial zoning and specialised market clusters.
