Finally, the state government has completed a detailed development plan of the Haridwar-Roorkee area in a major step to transform the city of Uttarakhand. The master plan should offer an organized guide to further development, expansion of the infrastructure and sustainable urbanization of one of the most significant corridors within the state.
Ganga-based religious hub of the world, Haridwar, and Roorkee, a seat of education and industry, have experienced a booming population and economic activity in the last ten years. Nevertheless, increasing traffic jams, unplanned developments, overloading of civic facilities, and environmental issues have also created an awareness regarding the long-term urban planning approach.
The new blueprint, as per the officials, is aimed at systematic land-use planning to avoid the haphazard expansion. Development will be done in a balanced manner with residential, commercial, industrial and green zones being clearly defined. There will be stringent measures that are likely to govern unauthorized constructions and safeguard areas prone to the environment, especially along the banks of the river Ganga.
A part of the plan is the upgradation of infrastructure. Suggestions have been made to expand and enhance major roads, better drainage and sewerage systems, drinking water supply systems and modernization of power systems. Traffic management in Haridwar is most likely to be given special attention as the area has the largest number of people during religious events like the Kumbh Mela and other big festivals.
The blueprint would also promote economic growth in the Roorkee industrial belt through easy connectivity and increased investment. The growth of industrial zones, MSME promotion, and better supply chain facilities should provide jobs and boost the economy in the region.
The development agenda has put environmental sustainability at the centre stage. It is planned to develop green belts and better solid waste management systems, as well as to minimize pollution. The authorities are also looking at the disaster-resilient infrastructure, owing to the susceptibility of Uttarakhand to floods and other natural disasters.
The authorities feel that the master plan will not just enhance civic amenities, but will also increase the general living standards of people. Encompassing the modern principles of urban planning with the cultural and ecological conservation, the Haridwar-Roorkee blueprint is bound to lead the area to planned and sustainable development in the next several years.
The project will be a strong move forward in changing the Twin Cities into a well-planned urban corridor and protecting its religious, educational and environmental values.
