IN its meeting held on 26 July 2007, the Central Development Working Party (CDWP) approved an allocation for the reconstruction of earthquake devastated cities of Balakot (Rs12 billion) and Muzzafarabad (Rs20 billion). The funding will come largely from international financial assistance.

While it is appropriate to speed up the re-construction of quake-hit settlements, reports from the site indicate that many concerns have been neglected. In order to obtain the best value from the investment as well as contributing the same for a holistic social benefit of the affected people, a few issues need to be considered as the Planning Commission has only accorded concept clearance and the detailed planning work is about to follow.

The technical review of the seismic status of the sites is vital. The Earthquake Reconstruction and Rehabilitation Authority (ERRA) has already undertaken useful analysis with the professional assistance of consultants. The exercise has generated a format of thresholds where settlements can be allowed to develop. However, the local communities – particularly survivors of the quake – have cast doubts about the merit of decisions.

These doubts were strengthened by certain swift measures for expropriation of land. These people believe that the choice of location for the new development is biased and meant to benefit a few favourites only. Ironically, this is the common sentiment found both in Balakot and Muzaffarabad. The solution can be found through an effective mechanism of conflict resolution. First, the technical thresholds be firmed up. Second, documentation of the affected persons and beneficiaries must be done in an objective manner. Third, a consultation forum be created to discuss the matters threadbare in an informed manner.

Technocrats must present their view points and also devise options to accommodate the concerns raised by the local communities. The representatives of interest groups may be involved in the physical manifestation of city plans and related details. It may be noted that without building up a consensus, planning and re-construction efforts may not succeed.

There are many groups of volunteers, NGOs and international agencies that are active in the quake-affected locations including Muzaffarabad and Balakot. As sizable time period has ensued since the occurrence of the earthquake, much of the work is now aimed at long-term rehabilitation From the design and development of individual houses to re-building of infrastructure, this work has positively impacted the life of people.

To sustain and upscale this work, few preliminary steps are needed. Qualitative and quantitative assessment of rehabilitation works, plans of respective organisations towards further expansion and correlation of the same with the planning options drawn by the government are some mentions. These developments can be ameliorated in planning exercise according to the outcome of technical and social evaluation. All investments so far done by different actors are important and need a safeguard. The context of any planning for the cities will have to be expanded on a regional scale. This necessity entails the evolution of an open ended planning framework.

Promotion of settlements in seismically safe zones, increase in accessibility, rescue and disaster management planning and an overall approach to enhance economic activity are few vital concerns. As the nature has given this opportunity to re-plan settlements, a corresponding technical foresight and social wisdom be utilised to the optimum.

There are some existing strengths that must be built around. Azad Jammu and Kashmir administration was well known for its efficiency and relatively potent capacity to manage their jurisdiction. This potential must be fully utilised. The development allocation can serve as a means of inviting investments from the local philanthropists and even private investors.

Once a mechanism of transparency and effective monitoring is put in place, the trust of investors will be substantially enhanced. In any case, the government alone cannot finance all the development needs. Finally, the institutional strengthening must be kept as a priority. The planning for quake hit regions makes a continuous activity. For undertaking this responsibility, local institutions be created and bolstered to respond to changing contextual conditions.