SRINAGAR: Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today chaired a meeting to review the master plans for the twin cities of Srinagar and Jammu, alongside the Unified Building Bye-Laws (UBBL) for Jammu and Kashmir.

The meeting was attended by Advisor to the Chief Minister Nasir Aslam Wani, Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, Commissioner Secretary Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD) Mandeep Kaur, Divisional Commissioners of Kashmir and Jammu, Deputy Commissioners of Srinagar and Jammu, Commissioners of Srinagar Municipal Corporation and Jammu Municipal Corporation, Vice Chairpersons of Srinagar and Jammu Development Authorities, and other senior officials concerned.

The meeting held detailed deliberations on the Srinagar Master Plan-2035, Jammu Master Plan-2032, and the Unified Building Bye-Laws-2021. Commissioner Secretary H&UDD gave comprehensive presentation on the master plans, highlighting their strategic vision, projected urban growth patterns, infrastructure requirements and policy interventions.

The Unified Building Bye-Laws were also discussed, particularly those related to permissible land use for residential, industrial, public and semi-public spaces, as well as other technical provisions aimed at streamlining urban development. Chief Minister Omar Abdullah emphasised that master plans must be realistic, implementable and reflect ground realities, rather than existing solely as vision documents.

He directed that the plans should take into consideration views of all stakeholders and it should be environmentally sustainable and capable of addressing future urban challenges while preserving the cultural and ecological identity of both cities.

ā€œThese master plans must shape the future growth of our two major cities for decades. It is vital that they are not just visionary, but also practical in execution, ensuring tangible benefits for citizens,ā€ the Chief Minister said. He also directed all concerned departments to incorporate on-ground assessments, public feedback and inter-departmental coordination to ensure the successful implementation of the plans.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). ā€œHis article, ā€˜When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.ā€.  Read the message here
In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

       LOOK_HERE.jpg Esteemed readers, for your convenience, we have categorized our news publishing into following šŸ‘‡