Gilgit- an unplanned city

in words of Aristotle ‘ a city should be built to give its inhabitants security and happiness.’ Contrary,
to this a city turns to an unwanted place when it grows unplanned and haphazardly. Therefore, it is
necessary to plan development activities in view of futuristic challenges in a rapidly urbanizing society.
Like many other cities of Pakistan the provincial metropolis, city Gilgit is also urbanizing at high pace for
a decade. Gilgit city, being hub of facilities has been a fascinating place for those living in other districts
of Gilgit-Baltistan. Spatial activities are taking place faster than ever before. But, due to the long
continued haphazard growth, illegal occupation of lands and unbridled encroachments the city could not
developed in a way that it ought to. As a result, it would be challenging for the authorities to manage
development and the everyday needs of rapidly urbanizing society in coming days.

Saying is very famous that a man is known by the society and a city by its road system. Also, a
city is like a living organism. while, roads are like blood vessels and arteries.it dies with the blockade of
its vessels and arteries. Considering the current traffic flow on the roads of city Gilgit it seems after a
decade it will be a difficult task to find out any parking place within the contours of city. Non-custom
paid (NCP) vehicles are mushrooming day to day on roads. Mostly, in school hours situation becomes
very grim. The flow of traffic on the congested roads is tenfold greater than the existing road capacity. it
will destroy the environment as well as the city economy if continues forth unchecked.

Zooning is considered a key factor in the discipline of Town planning and Management. It is a
method by which Municipalities bifurcate land into different areas called zones. Each zone differentiates
from another. The main purpose of it is to avoid mismanagement, congestion, traffic blockade and
incompatible land use. In context of Gilgit, the growth patterns are totally unplanned and haphazard. No
residential, recreational, intuitional and industrial zones we notice. Even before a decade the most of
land area in jutial, danyor and sakwar was unfilled. Had it been planned today residential of these areas
would have been enjoying road, drainage and water facilities. Sadly, in most of newly developed areas
due to narrow streets hamper the access to Fire Fighter vehicles’ and ambulances in any emergency any
situation. So better late than never govt should now consider all these challenges and take steps for
further planned growth.

‘A city lack of Master Plan is like a ship lack of its destination’

A development plan or Master plan is generally considered a future layout of a city that shows both the
existing and proposed streets, roads, open spaces and public buildings etc. it is prepared for either the
development of an old city or for a new soil. The first master plan for city Gilgit was prepared in 1977 by
the GB govt under a consultancy firm which remain confined to the level of documents and nothing else.
Afterwards, the GB govt stated mulling over the master plan 2040 and also established Gilgit
Developmental Authority (GDA) in 2017 but never seen in action like CDA, LDA, KAD and others.
. Did you ever imagine?

“Is it possible to dismantle the whole haphazardly developed areas of Danyor, Konodas,GhariBagh
and develop again? The answer is definitely, ‘NO’. Because, once development activity takes place in
any region it is quite impossible to reverse the process. Thus planning is inevitable.
 In city Gilgit, there is no authority present to control and guide the constructors. Citizens are quite
ignorant of the rules and norms building houses, shops and markets. Most of the buildings and
structures are self-built by the people without any architectural and structural design. mostly, People
take advice form masons or petty contractors. As a result, with no particular order or plan growth
activities take place. it depicts an appalling picture of the city as a whole and can never be impressive for
tourists.

There are number of solutions that can be helpful to address the incompetent planning management in
Gilgit city.

1. The city needs to develop a comprehensive master plan highlighting the current and future needs of
the city. The master plan should be based on a thorough analysis of the existing situation, and should
involve the participation of all stakeholders. Moreover, the master plan 2040 if implemented in letter
and spirit can counter the existing and futuristic challenges.

2.Regulate Land Use: there should be laws and bylaws regarding land use, and land should be allocated
for different purposes based on its value and potential.whereas, it would be helpful to prevent misuse
of land.

3.the city's infrastructure needs to be improved to support the growing population. This includes the
construction and maintenance of roads, water supply, sewage, and waste management systems.

4. Government shall encourage the notion of public participate in the planning process, and their
feedback shall be given weightage.

5.Urban expansion should be controlled through enforcing building codes and regulations. Preference
may be given to sustainable growth and construction across the city.

6. Government should made effective efforts for more parking spaces to ease traffic congestion and
reduce air pollution.

7. construction activities in flooded areas should be prohibited inorder to avoid the loss of land, property
and lives.

8 The government should increase the budget allocation for town planning and management, to ensure
that there are sufficient resources to implement the necessary solutions.
 Last but not least, it is the need of hour to assign the task of planning to the professional town
planners who are the true custodians of master plans across the GB. Barring planning, planners and
implementation frame work it would be a distant dream to attain environmental and residential friendly
environment.