10/01/2026
Er Hilal Shah Presented List of Suggestions On Master Plan Anantnag-2044 To DC Anantnag
The Deputy Commissioner,
Anantnag
Subject: Submission of Suggestions on Draft Master Plan Anantnag–2044
Sir,
With profound respect and in the spirit of constructive engagement, I wish to place on record my appreciation to the Housing & Urban Development Department Government of Jammu and Kashmir, District Administration Anantnag and other stake holders who have contributed to the preparation of the Draft Master Plan Anantnag-2044. The Plan reflects a meticulous attempt to envision the long-term urban growth, infrastructure development, and socio-economic progress of Anantnag town and its surrounding influence areas. Here, I would also like to submit, that during my tenure as Chairman Municipal Council Anantnag, I had the opportunity to contribute to this process, and in this regard a consultative meeting was held on 22.10.2022 with the Town Planners and Urban Experts from Jammu & Kashmir and other states, during which extensive deliberations were carried out and the discussions held during this consultative process provided valuable inputs that have been duly reflected in the present Draft Master Plan.
Accordingly, I submit these suggestions with the sincere intention of enhancing the practical applicability, inclusiveness, and implementability of the Master Plan. These observations are offered in the public interest and based on my experience, having served as Chairman of the Municipal Council Anantnag, during which period several major developmental initiatives were undertaken for the benefit of the citizens and the long-term urban framework of Anantnag.
During my tenure, several projects were conceptualized and executed for the glory of Anantnag and to provide the best civic amenities, including the Sewerage Project, Septage Treatment Plant, Development of Children’s Parks, Establishment of Multi-Level Car Parking facilities, Regulation of traffic congestion, construction of Community Halls, Rejuvenation of Water bodies, Beautification of Town and numerous other civic and infrastructural initiatives. Each project, costing crores of rupees, were designed with a vision of modernizing the town while preserving its unique cultural and historical character.
In addition, during my tenure, I consistently raised with higher authorities the necessity of upgrading Municipal Council Anantnag into Municipal Corporation Anantnag. The Anantnag town being the largest town in the Union Territory after Jammu and Srinagar, has outgrown the administrative, financial, and territorial capacity of a Municipal council. Currently restricted to 25 wards, despite decades of urban expansion, the Municipal Council is unable to fully meet the administrative and infrastructure demands of the town.
The existing urban core is nearly saturated, with very little vacant land for Municipal projects, and therefore, expansion of Municipal jurisdiction is essential. I had recommended that the following areas be included within the municipal limits:
Harnag, Khandiphari, Wanpoh, Batengoo, Kanjigund, Rooh, Papyebal, Donipawa, and Brakpora.
These areas have assumed urban characteristics, are integral to ongoing and proposed Municipal projects, and are critical for orderly urban growth.
The Draft Master Plan is commendable for its vision and technical depth. However, for effective, practical, and citizen-centric implementation, I submit the following detailed suggestions:
1. Upgradation of Municipal Council Anantnag to Municipal Corporation Anantnag:- The Plan should explicitly recommend the upgradation of Municipal Council Anantnag to Municipal Corporation Anantnag, reflecting the town’s population size, economic importance, and administrative complexity. The Municipal Corporation status will enable higher financial allocations and grants from the UT and central governments, significantly strengthen administrative and technical capacity, enhance service delivery mechanisms, and facilitate the ex*****on of large-scale infrastructure projects such as integrated drainage systems, mass transit facilities, public parks, and multi-level parking complexes etc. Moreover, this institutional upgrade would ensure that planning and governance are aligned with Anantnag’s role as a regional commercial and cultural hub, enabling the town to meet the expectations of its growing population efficiently and sustainably. Besides the fresh areas as mentioned above be included with the Anantnag Municipality.
2. Creation of Anantnag Development Authority
Given the rapidly urbanizing peri-urban areas, it is essential to establish an Anantnag Development Authority (ADA). The ADA should have jurisdiction beyond the existing municipal limits and the newly proposed expansion areas, encompassing semi-urban and rural localities experiencing urban sprawl. The Authority will ensure that development in these areas is planned, regulated, and coordinated with the municipal urban core. Its functions should include preparation of layouts, regulation of housing and commercial development, preservation of agricultural and environmentally sensitive land, development of road networks, provision of public facilities, and coordination of infrastructure projects. Without such an authority, peripheral areas are likely to experience unregulated growth, leading to congestion, encroachment, and loss of public amenity space, undermining the long-term objectives of the Master Plan.
3. Drainage and Flood Management
The Anantnag town faces chronic waterlogging and drainage issues, especially along KP Road, Ashajipora–Khanabal Road, and the Bypass Road, which get submerged even in moderate rainfall. The Draft Master Plan should address these challenges through a combination of engineered solutions and planning measures, including: integrated storm water drainage networks, protection and restoration of natural nallahs and watercourses, removal of encroachments blocking drainage paths, and coordinated design of roads and drainage to prevent recurring flooding. This approach is critical for preserving road infrastructure, ensuring uninterrupted traffic flow, and safeguarding property and public safety.
4. Community Centre-cum-Banquet Halls
As per the Draft Plan, the Office of Irrigation and Flood Control at New Qazibagh is proposed to shift to the Mini Secretariat, with the existing site intended for a Community Centre-cum-Banquet Hall. While this initiative is commendable, a single facility will not suffice for the entire town. It is suggested that three community halls be constructed to serve different regions: one at Shirpora / Mominabad side, one at the proposed Qazibagh location, and one near KP Road at Sarnal / Pehroo side. Such distribution ensures accessibility, reduces pressure on a single venue, accommodates various social and cultural functions, and supports the town’s civic life.
5. Creation of Vending Zones
The Plan proposes six vending zones, mainly between Mehandi Kadal to Mattan Adda, with one at Janglat Mandi. Given the significant number of vendors in Anantnag, it is suggested that two additional vending zones be established: one on the Khanabal side and one near Achabal Adda or Bypass Road. The adequate vending zones will provide formal and dignified spaces for street vendors, reduce congestion in crowded areas, and allow better regulation of commercial activity while ensuring livelihood security for vendors.
6. Proposed Parking facilities:- While multi-level parking facilities have been proposed at three different locations in the town, Sherbagh Park and its surrounding area being a major attraction have not been considered. A portion of Sherbagh Park is also used as a Jinazgah, where hundreds and sometimes thousands of people gather during Namaz-e-Janaza. In addition, the park attracts a large number of daily visitors. However, the absence of any dedicated parking facility in this area is causing severe inconvenience to visitors and resulting in frequent and massive traffic congestion.
In view of the above, it is suggested that a multi-level car parking facility may kindly be considered in the Sherbagh area as well, either from the Sherbagh side or the Ranibagh side.
7. Riverfront Development and Sports Infrastructure
The proposed International Sports Stadium at Khanabal Seepan is welcome; however, it will not meet the daily sporting needs of residents and students. It is suggested that additional sports facilities be developed within the town, including cricket grounds, football fields, volleyball courts, and an indoor sports complex. These facilities should be integrated into riverfront development and green corridors to promote recreational opportunities, healthy lifestyles, and community engagement.
Given the availability of vast underutilized land and minimal current public usage, Wazirbagh stands out as an optimal location for developing an International Cricket Sports Stadium, while still ample space remaining for garden and children’s play area. This development would also enable the existing sports stadium at Mehandi Kadal to be utilized exclusively as a football stadium, for which it was originally intended.
8. Zoning Recommendations for Anantnag LPA–2044
Most importantly, it is submitted here that the
• The stretches along both sides of the main road from Dak Bungalow to Mattan, and from Khanabal to Mominabad and Donipawa, are already fully commercial and should be formally declared Commercial Zones.
• The existing urban area of Anantnag Town should be designated as a Mixed Land Use Zone, reflecting the coexistence of residential, commercial, and institutional uses.
• Existing mixed-use activities should be regularized rather than penalized.
• Heritage areas and old city localities should be subject to special planning controls to preserve historical character and prevent unsympathetic development.
9. Distance Between Buildings
While Table-11 prescribes minimum distances between buildings, it is suggested that flexibility be exercised in dense localities, old town areas, and small plots. The existing structures should be exempted, and alternative provisions such as fire safety measures, natural light, and ventilation standards should be used to ensure safety without unnecessary demolition. During renovation or reconstruction, existing structures may be allowed to maintain their original layout, with appropriate safety measures, rather than requiring compliance with the prescribed minimum distances.
10. Building Lines for Unlisted Roads
In old town areas, the right of way (ROW) should be Kept/maintained according to current building lines, and proposals for new or wider ROWs should be avoided. Most buildings in these areas are small, with limited space and no vacant plots, and imposing additional gaps or widening requirements would reduce usable space and significantly constrain their structural size and instead preserving the existing building line ensures that property owners are not unduly burdened while maintaining the traditional character of the neighbourhood.
11. Traffic Management and Parking
The traffic congestion in Anantnag cannot be addressed merely by widening roads. Comprehensive traffic management should include:
• Creation of alternate roads and bypasses to divert through-traffic.
• Provision of adequate parking spaces in all commercial and mixed-use areas.
• Recognition that narrow lanes and old mohallas cannot be widened and should remain untouched.
12. Public Facilities and Market Upgradation
Every area of the town should have access to basic public facilities, including parks, schools, hospitals, and parking spaces. Existing markets should be strengthened, upgraded, and modernized rather than relocated away from the city core. Besides, the public amenities should be equitably distributed to promote inclusive growth, as the facilities like International Sports Stadium, Solar Park, International Convention Centre, Lidder Valley Sports Complex, Science and Technoligy Museum, Water Based Thme Park and kids Amusement, Eco Park have been proposed have been restricted to two-three areas only.
13. Implementation of Master Plan
Any proposed changes in land use should be implemented prospectively, not retrospectively, to prevent disruption to ongoing activities and livelihoods. The existing structures should be allowed to continue without restrictions, recognizing that many properties, especially in older or dense localities, have limited space and are fully developed. Besides, the property owners should also be permitted to make additions or raise additional floors in accordance with their existing building footprint, provided they comply with applicable safety regulations. This ensures that residents and businesses are not unduly constrained, while also allowing for incremental development and modernization, without compromising the intent of the Master Plan.
In conclusion, these suggestions are submitted in the spirit of constructive contribution, drawing upon long-term administrative experience and knowledge of Anantnag’s unique urban and socio-economic realities. I trust that the District Administration Anantnag will give due consideration to these proposals to ensure that the Master Plan Anantnag–2044 becomes a truly implementable, citizen-centric, and future ready blueprint for the sustainable development of Anantnag town and its surrounding regions.
Yours faithfully,
Er. Hilal Ahmad Shah
(Ex-Chairman Municipal Council Anantnag)
R/o New Housing Colony Khanabal
Anantnag
