HYDERABAD: Th Mayor Kashif Shoro of Hyderabad, the second largest urban center in Sindh, has urged the Sindh Master Plan Authority to develop a comprehensive 50-year master plan for the city.
The rapid expansion of housing schemes and commercial projects without proper planning has led to converting agricultural lands into residential areas and transforming residential plots into commercial spaces.
As a result, infrastructure services such as water supply, sewerage, and roads have been neglected.
According to official sources, the population of Hyderabad has grown from 2.2 million in 2017 to approximately 3.5 million in just six years, as per the digital census of 2023.
With the city spanning 993 square kilometers, the Hyderabad Development Authority (HDA) has been struggling to establish an effective master plan to regulate the city’s growth and accommodate its increasing population.
Mayor Kashif Ali Shoro, taking note of the HDA’s apparent failure in preparing a master plan, has taken the initiative to address the issue.
Upon assuming office, he announced his commitment to develop a 50-year master plan for Hyderabad.
In a letter dated July 11, the Municipal Commissioner of Hyderabad, Anees Ahmed Dasti, requested the Sindh Master Plan Authority to urgently develop the plan, highlighting the city’s strategic significance and rapid expansion due to migration from various parts of the country.
He added that the plan should encompass sustainable development, economic growth, social equity, and improved quality of life.
Dasti also emphasized the importance of addressing land use, housing, infrastructure, environment, public spaces, and transportation.
The goal of the initiative would be to balance residential, commercial, industrial, institutional, recreational, and green spaces and prioritize cycling lanes and pedestrian pathways.
Besides, the development of neighborhoods fostering a sense of community and the revitalization of old neighborhoods were also highlighted.
In addition, environmental sustainability and climate change mitigation would be integral components of the master plan.
The Municipal Commissioner offered coordination and cooperation to the authority in this endeavor.
Source: Tribune
