TEZU : The Tezu Planning Authority (TPA), at a meeting chaired by Lohit Deputy Commissioner and TPA Chairman Kesang Ngurup Damo on Wednesday, reviewed the Draft Tezu Master Plan-2051 and decided to defer its approval for further examination and wider consultation with stakeholders.

The meeting, held at the District Secretariat conference hall, discussed matters relating to the proposed Local Planning Authority (LPA) boundaries, implementation of the Arunachal Pradesh Building Bye-Laws, 2019, urban reforms and the preparation of a long-term development plan for Tezu township.

Town Planner-cum-Member Secretary Dacha Bagang highlighted the importance of preparing a Geographic Information System (GIS)-based master plan in line with the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) 2.0 guidelines and the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs’ urban reform agenda. He said implementation of the building bye-laws after notification of the master plan would help ensure planned and regulated urban growth.

Bagang urged all departments to submit short-, medium- and long-term development proposals and ensure that future projects conform to the proposed land-use plan.

During the meeting, hard and soft copies of the draft master plan were distributed to stakeholders for comments and suggestions, while consultant M/s Remote Sensing Instruments, Hyderabad, made a detailed presentation on the plan.

Addressing the meeting, Damo described the master plan as a long-term vision document for the planned growth of Tezu and stressed the need for active participation from elected representatives and line departments. He directed that existing and proposed infrastructure, including the railway line, airport, paramilitary establishments, Border Roads Task Force installations and cantonment areas, be adequately reflected in the plan.

He also called for the inclusion of infrastructure needs, improved connectivity, upgraded public facilities and disaster mitigation measures, keeping in view the district’s strategic location and vulnerability to natural disasters.

The authority resolved that the consultant would revise the draft plan after incorporating suggestions from departments and stakeholders before placing it before the TPA for further consideration. Departments have been asked to submit their comments within 15 days, and the next meeting of the Local Planning Authority will be convened within two months. (DIPR)