Sopore, Oct 05 : Civil Society Sopore, has submitted a detailed memorandum to the District Administration, Baramulla, proposing a series of suggestions and recommendations for the draft Master Plan of Sopore town.
In the memorandum accessed The Web Story/The Varmul Post Civil Society Sopore, led by its Chairman Aashiq Hussain Zaki, emphasised the need for planned, balanced and sustainable development of Sopore while protecting its identity as an “Apple Town.” The society said the earlier Sopore Master Plan-2032 had envisaged developing Sopore as a major Mandi, wholesale and agro-based industrial centre while retaining its horticultural identity.
Seeking strict protection of productive apple orchards from “unnecessary urbanisation,” the society recommended identification and mapping of important orchard areas, prevention of unplanned conversion of orchard and agricultural land, and directing development towards scientifically identified suitable areas.
On drainage and flood management, the memorandum, called for a comprehensive plan, restoration of natural water channels and ‘nallahs’, regular cleaning of existing drains and prevention of construction that obstructs natural drainage.
It also sought a comprehensive sewerage network for the town and expanding areas, proper sewage-treatment facilities and scientific management of wastewater before discharge into water bodies.
For Old Sopore, the society recommended a dedicated urban renewal plan, improvement of roads, drainage, sanitation, parking and emergency access, besides protection of the traditional character and heritage of the area through meaningful consultation with residents, traders and property owners.
The memorandum also pitched for improving major road corridors and critical intersections, adequate parking facilities, better pedestrian infrastructure and proper planning for public transport and fruit and freight-related traffic.
Describing Sopore as a fruit and wholesale centre, the society sought modernisation and expansion of fruit-market infrastructure, adequate warehousing, cold-storage and logistics facilities, better connectivity between the fruit market and production areas, and promotion of food-processing and value-addition industries.
It also urged protection of environmentally sensitive areas, prevention of dumping of solid waste and untreated wastewater into water bodies, preservation of green buffers, and environmentally sustainable urban expansion.
Demanding a clear institutional mechanism for implementation of the new Master Plan, the society sought publication of project-wise implementation status, regular monitoring and public reporting, strict action against unauthorised land-use changes and construction, and periodic review based on ground realities.
It further recommended that public participation continue beyond the present consultation and become a permanent part of the planning process, suggesting a formal “Sopore Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum” comprising representatives of civil society, traders, farmers, professionals, youth, women, residents and transporters.
The society also requested the administration to provide stakeholders with the latest draft Master Plan of Sopore, proposed land-use and zoning maps, details of proposed road and infrastructure projects, urban expansion areas, provisions relating to orchard and agricultural land, flood-prone zones and the implementation strategy.
“We request the District Administration and concerned authorities to kindly consider these suggestions, wherever technically and legally feasible, while finalising the Draft Master Plan of Sopore,” the memorandum said.
