GIS-based Master Plan for Kathua discussed at stakeholders’ meeting
29/05/2026
Kathua, May 29 (KIP)-A meeting of all stakeholders was held today at the DC Office Complex Kathua to discuss the modalities for preparation of the Draft Local Area Plan under the GIS-based Master Plan for Kathua town and its adjoining areas.
The meeting was attended by MLA Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan, MLA Jasrota Rajiv Jasrotia, Deputy Commissioner Rajesh Sharma, Additional Deputy Commissioner Mahima Madan, Chief Planning Officer Ranjeet Thakur, concerned district officers and representatives of Beopar Mandal.
Assistant Professor Dr Sakshi, the representative of the Project Coordinator from the Centre of Urban Planning for Capacity Building, Guru Nanak Dev University (GNDU), Amritsar also joined the meeting virtually.
She delivered a detailed PowerPoint presentation highlighting the roadmap of the project and outlining the key parameters for formulation of the Local Area Plan. The presentation focused on planned urban growth, environmental sustainability, improvement in quality of life, economic prosperity and development of efficient infrastructure and public services.
It was informed during the meeting that Kathua town and its peripheral areas qualifying the prescribed parameters would be incorporated in the final Master Plan after taking into consideration the suggestions and inputs of elected representatives and stakeholders. The meeting was further informed that a comprehensive survey process would soon be initiated for collection of vital data required for scientific planning. The identified gaps and issues would subsequently be placed in the public domain for suggestions and feedback before finalisation of the plan.
Speaking on the occasion, MLA Kathua Dr. Bharat Bhushan stressed the need for incorporating various pressing urban issues in the planning process. He highlighted concerns related to flood vulnerability, channelisation of Kathua Khad, creation of additional parking spaces, decongestion of the main market, relocation of street vendors and establishment of a proper drainage system for the town. He also called for an extensive and data-driven survey to ensure effective planning.
MLA Jasrota Rajiv Jasrotia emphasized the need to take into account the developmental requirements of the areas adjoining Kathua town to ensure their systematic and balanced growth in future.
Deputy Commissioner Kathua Rajesh Sharma underscored the importance of meticulous and people-centric planning. He stated that the proposed plan should be formulated in a manner that strengthens urban infrastructure without adversely affecting the existing facilities and the people dependent upon them.
The meeting decided that consultations with all stakeholders would be carried out in a continuous and participatory manner during the formulation of the Master Plan. It was also resolved that a follow-up meeting would be convened after completion of the survey process and compilation of findings to deliberate upon the observations and take the planning process forward in a comprehensive manner.