J&K Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, chaired a series of high-level meetings today, to discuss and review urban planning strategies aimed at fostering systematic and sustainable development across the union territory. Key policies including Land Pooling, Transferable Development Rights (TDR), and Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) were deliberated, alongside solid waste management initiatives.
During the discussions, the Chief Minister was briefed on the Land Pooling Policy, which allows private landowners and developers to pool land for authorized development. The scheme ensures that a portion of the pooled land is utilized for infrastructure like roads, parks, and amenities, while the remaining land is returned to the owners for proportional distribution. The policy aims to increase land value for stakeholders and facilitate sustainable infrastructure development as an alternative to traditional land acquisition methods.
The meeting also explored the TDR Policy, emphasizing its potential for urban growth, while preserving heritage properties. Under this policy, landowners or developers who surrender land for public purposes, such as road widening or conservation, receive non-financial compensation in the form of TDR certificates. These certificates grant additional built-up area rights that can be utilized on other properties or monetized.
The concept of Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) was also a focal point. It aims to promote sustainable urban mobility by developing compact, walkable spaces around public transport hubs, ensuring integrated and planned urban growth.
In addition to urban planning policies, the Chief Minister reviewed strategies for Integrated Solid Waste Management (ISWM).
Presentations by the Housing & Urban Development Department outlined plans for waste collection, transportation, and recycling. A case study from Udhampur highlighted challenges such as landfill overuse and drain blockages, proposing solutions like waste segregation, recycling mechanisms, and pollution control measures.
Abdullah urged the department to prioritize projects under Land Pooling, TDR, and TOD policies to create successful models, fostering confidence among stakeholders. Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models for waste management, road cleaning, and waterbody maintenance were also discussed.
Representatives from the National Bank for Financing Infrastructure and Development (NaBFID) provided a separate presentation on infrastructure development initiatives across Jammu and Kashmir.
The meetings were attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister, Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Additional Chief Secretary to the CM, Dheeraj Gupta, Principal Secretary Finance, Santosh D Vaidya, Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur, and other senior officials. Officers in Srinagar joined via video conferencing.
