Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) is embarking on a bold initiative aimed at transforming its urban landscape through the introduction of a revamped online building permission system.
This new system, set to roll out within the next two months, promises to significantly streamline the approval process for development projects across the Union Territory (UT), marking a crucial step toward enhancing urban governance and improving the ease of doing business. In a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary, officials from the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) reviewed various ongoing urban development initiatives aimed at reshaping J&K’s cities. The meeting emphasised the importance of executing projects in a timely manner while ensuring inter-departmental synergy to foster effective implementation. The Chief Secretary called for a robust monitoring mechanism to ensure that these infrastructure projects lead to tangible improvements in the quality of life for urban residents.
One of the most anticipated aspects of this transformation is the online building permission system. By digitising and automating the entire process, the system aims to reduce bureaucratic delays, eliminate unnecessary paperwork, and provide developers and residents with a quicker, more transparent way to obtain the necessary permits for construction. The move is seen as a critical component in the broader push for sustainable urban development in the region. The digital platform will replace traditional manual processes, which often led to delays and a lack of transparency, with a modern, user-friendly interface that streamlines approvals. The system will allow applicants to submit documents online, track the status of their applications, and receive approval notifications directly on the platform. This change is expected to drastically improve the speed and efficiency of building permits, ultimately fostering an environment that supports urban growth and infrastructure development while ensuring greater accountability and transparency.
Alongside this technological leap, the Chief Secretary also underscored the importance of completing utility projects, such as water supply under AMRUT and sanitation under SBM (U), that directly impact the daily lives of residents. These projects are integral to improving living standards and will be accelerated as part of the ongoing urban transformation efforts. In addition to the building permission system, the meeting also reviewed progress on key initiatives under various flagship schemes, including the Smart Cities Mission, AMRUT 2.0, PMAY-Urban, and PM eBus Sewa. These initiatives reflect J&K’s commitment to creating eco-friendly, sustainable, and accessible cities for all its residents. The focus is not only on modernising urban infrastructure but also on preserving cultural heritage, enhancing mobility, and improving public spaces. These projects, collectively valued in billions, are crucial to ensuring J&K’s urban areas remain resilient, equitable, and sustainable in the face of rapid urbanisation.
Under the Smart Cities Mission, significant strides have been made in Srinagar and Jammu with infrastructure projects aimed at modernising city landscapes and boosting quality of life. Projects such as heritage restoration, mobility enhancement, and public space improvements are being executed in both cities. Meanwhile, in Jammu, the Tawi Riverfront Development Project has made notable progress, including the completion of critical nallah interception work. The introduction of electric buses under the PM eBus Sewa scheme is another major development. With 100 electric buses approved for both Srinagar and Jammu, the initiative is set to reduce carbon emissions, enhance urban mobility, and promote a greener mode of transport. The initiative also benefits from significant funding from the central government, ensuring robust infrastructure support for these electric vehicles, including power and depot infrastructure.
Moreover, the government is committed to addressing housing challenges in urban areas through the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Urban (PMAY-U). The ongoing implementation of housing projects under PMAY-U has already resulted in the construction of over 27,000 houses in the last three years. The government is also expanding the scheme to all 78 municipal bodies in the UT, ensuring that affordable housing reaches the most underserved populations. A new digital app has been launched to survey urban areas and identify houseless families, marking a step towards inclusivity in housing policy. The Swachh Bharat Mission – Urban (SBM-U) 2.0 has similarly seen considerable progress. From setting up material recovery facilities for dry waste to the bioremediation of legacy waste, these measures are poised to improve waste management in urban areas. Furthermore, 78 urban local bodies (ULBs) have been certified as “Safaimitra Surakshit Sheher,” showcasing the region’s dedication to building cleaner, more sustainable cities.
For street vendors, the government has worked towards financial inclusion through the Pradhan Mantri Street Vendor’s AtmaNirbhar Nidhi (PMSVANidhi) scheme. With the provision of loans and support to vendors, the programme aims to uplift local economies and provide financial assistance to vendors who have struggled to access traditional banking services. As J&K moves forward with these ambitious projects, the introduction of the online building permission system stands as a cornerstone of the UT’s larger vision to modernise and expand its urban infrastructure. By ensuring that urbanisation is not only rapid but also sustainable, the government is laying the foundation for cities that are cleaner, greener, and more inclusive.
The launch of the online platform, coupled with ongoing and upcoming infrastructure projects, signals a new era for urban development in Jammu and Kashmir. The success of these initiatives will depend on effective collaboration, transparency, and commitment to long-term, sustainable goals that benefit all residents, with a focus on gender-neutral, equitable, and eco-friendly urban living.
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