Jammu needs better urban planning!

The way the Jammu region is changing rapidly, the government should start planning for its future needs. In this context, Jammu City in particular is facing population boom, increase in vehicle numbers, and influx of more and more people on account of work, education, healthcare, business and other needs. All these factors mount pressure on the civic infrastructure, which needs to be improved manifold times as per the future requirements.

If the growth, which the city is witnessing, is not properly planned and managed, Jammu may face more traffic jams, shortage of parking space, overcrowded roads and unplanned construction in the years ahead. It is highly praiseworthy that looking at the need, the Jammu and Kashmir Government has approved two major parking projects in Jammu. The proposed Parking-cum-Commercial Complex at Parade and the Multilevel Car Parking facility at SMGS Hospital, with a combined estimated cost of Rs 49.34 crore, are expected to provide organised parking at two important locations of the city.

Such projects can help reduce the pressure on busy roads, make better use of limited urban space and make movement easier for residents, visitors and commuters. Apart from these, the government is also augmenting road edifice with more flyovers, which is again a laudable decision and the important need of the modern times.

Jammu needs a clear and long-term plan to manage its rapid urban growth. Building more roads and parking spaces is important, but it is only one part of the solution. The government must take more such practical and timely steps to ensure that the city grows in a planned, balanced and sustainable manner.

Proper public transport, better roads, pedestrian-friendly spaces, scientific traffic management, improved drainage, waste management, green spaces and planned housing must all become part of Jammu’s urban development strategy. Besides, civic infrastructure should be created in a manner that also caters to the needs of the physically challenged population, as such provisions were missing in many parts of the old Jammu city.

A growing city brings economic opportunities and can improve the quality of life of its people. The real challenge is to ensure that growth does not take place in a chaotic manner. Jammu needs development that matches its growing population and changing needs. Government agencies must therefore think ahead and create infrastructure before problems become too difficult and expensive to solve.