Katra to be developed on 80 sq kms under new Master Plan

JAMMU: Katra town, the base camp for Mata Vaishno Devi cave shrine in Trikuta hills, will be developed on nearly 80 sq km area as per a revised Master Plan, an official said today.

Under the revised plan 2035, 7,955 square kilometres have been envisaged for the development of Katra town, an official of Housing and Urban Development Department said, adding, revision of the Master Plan is in advanced stage of completion and shall be finalised shortly.

The revised Master Plan envisages parking areas, road linkages, several treatment plants at appropriate locations and ' Swacch Bharat' Mission is also taken care of by the local authorities including Katra Development Authority (KDA) and Municipal Committee Katra (MCK), the official said.

Under the plan, 100 kanals (12.5 acres) of land has been identified at Tantalla for establishment of solid waste management project under the MCK, he said.

Multi-storey buildings, including shopping complex, are proposed to be constructed on two acres of land under self financing mode with an aim to improve the financial condition of the MCK.

The authorities will also set up automated visitors pony management system for the benefit of the pilgrims.

Master Plan Katra 2021 is being executed and all construction activities are permitted as per the norms of the revised Master Plan, he said.