The administration of Ladakh has initiated the process of preparing the Union Territory's first-ever 'Master Plan' to curtail unplanned development. Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena announced on Friday that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the UT administration and the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), Delhi, for this purpose.
Need for the Master Plan
Saxena emphasized that the Master Plan is the need of the hour as it will not only curb unauthorized and unplanned development but also ensure the protection of Ladakh's fragile ecosystem through proper planning. Currently, there are no guidelines for construction activities in Ladakh, leading to haphazard constructions that have severely affected the ecology and placed a burden on existing infrastructure, according to officials in the L-G's office.
Timeline and Scope
The first draft of the Master Plan is expected to be submitted by SPA to the Ladakh administration within three months. As per the MoU, SPA will prepare a comprehensive plan covering all districts of Ladakh. The assessment will include demographic, economic, environmental, and transport parameters at both city and regional scales. Additionally, guidelines for signage, pedestrianization, heritage, and tourism will be developed.
Use of Modern Tools
The Master Plan will incorporate modern tools and techniques, including Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Geographic Information Systems (GIS), to monitor climate change, associated vulnerabilities, and their impacts. This approach aims to ensure sustainable development while preserving the unique environment of Ladakh.
