MOHMAND: The authorities have devised an urban structure master plan for Ghalanai to resolve the civic issues faced by its residents.

The planning and development department on Tuesday arranged a public hearing about the master plan. The session was attended by Deputy Commissioner Dr Mohammad Ehtishamul Haq, the deputy executive director of the department, Mirkhawas Khan Wazir, the additional deputy commissioner, Qaiser Khan, project director Adnan Salim, tehsil nazims Hafiz Taj Wali and Bismillah Jan and officials of line departments.

The officials gave a detailed presentation about the proposals for urban structure and informed the participants about the new urban limits.

Mirkhawas Wazir said that the master plan was devised according to the standard procedure adopted for modern town planning. He said that under the vision, Ghalanai would be built as a habitat of prosperous community by promoting marble industry, protecting food baskets, providing clean drinking water and hosting guests.

Regarding the issues of urban centre, he said that Ghalanai consisted of scattered residential areas. He said that land used for industrial activities was located close to residential areas. He added that there was shortage of health, education and recreational facilities for people of the area.

Mr Wazir said that there was lack of utility services such as water supply, sewerage and solid waste management. He said that lack of footpaths and walkways along roads was hindering free movement of people in the urban centre.

He said that the master plan for the city was developed to resolve the existing problems and meet future needs of the city. He said that the programme would be implemented in two phases. “These are master plan and land use plan. The urban policy unit of the department is working on master plan across the province,” he said.

The official said that master plans for urban areas of Mardan, Miaramshah, Wana and Mirali were already chalked out.

Published in Dawn, August 30th, 2023