Comprehensive Mobility Plan for Gangtok and Development Guide Plan of four towns presented

GANGTOK, August 21 (IPR): The presentation of Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) Gangtok and Development Guide Plan (DGP) of four towns prepared by the Urban Development and Housing Department was held at Chintan Bhawan here today.

The draft report covers four towns, namely, Jorethang, Nayabazar, Rabongla, and Melli and twelve other smaller towns of South and West Districts.

The Chief Minister, Pawan Chamling was the chief guest on the occasion. In his speech, he said that in order to ease the decongestion in urban areas, the Government has planned a balanced growth for Gangtok and the other towns which would also improve the quality of life of the people. Satellite town has also been envisaged by the Government as a model satellite town for Gangtok to offload some population and decongest the city. He also expressed that the prime focus of this town development is to exemplify good practices and achieve high standards of urban planning that shall showcase the urban scenario of Sikkim. He also mentioned that Sikkim has nine notified towns and fifty three Rural Marketing Centers which the Government is planning to develop into a full fledged urban centers in the State. However, side by side the Government is also planning to develop rural areas through village development action plan.

The Chief Minister further added that the presentation prepared by the UD&HD is a far sighted approach to urban development and also looks at how the urban development should be carried out in the State. It identifies the trends of development and also the sectors that need impetus in order to achieve equitable growth pattern. He also said that proper planning of land scaping, solid waste management, drainage, urban sanitation, sewerage treatment plant, creation of parks, garden, tourist infrastructures, fire station, car plaza etc. should be developed in all the bazaars duly keeping in mind the fragile ecology of the State. Besides, the provision of pedestrian walkways, children park, kisan bazar, toilet facilities, drinking water supply should also be incorporated. He also mentioned that the projects which are viable and eco-friendly will be implemented in all bazaars, he added. He also sought unconditional support from all sections of the society in developing, beautification and modernization of all bazaars.

The Commissioner cum Secretary, UD&HD, Tobjor Dorjee in his welcome address said that urban development in Sikkim is undergoing a sea change as there has been a shift in urbanization policy from growth pole strategies to exploring the service functions of small and medium towns in the context of urban and regional development. He also thanked the Chief Minister for his vision and guidance which has been inspirational in taking forward the Urban Renewal Mission in Sikkim.

The programme also saw the power point presentation of Development Guide Plan presented by the Planning Cell of the UD&HD. The report has also been uploaded in the official website, www.sikkimudhd.org .