TOWN AND COUNTRY PLANNING, DHEMAJI

INTRODUCTION:

Assam, a northeastern state of India, has been experiencing rapid urbanization over the years. To ensure sustainable urban development and planned growth, the Assam Town and Country Planning (T&CP) department plays a crucial role. The department is responsible for the formulation of urban planning implementation and regulating land use and ensuring systematic development across the state.

OBJECTIVE OF T&CP, DHEMAJI:

• Master Plans for Urban Areas: A long- term legal blue-print for urban areas that guide in long term development, mitigating challenges and for all round development of the town. The validity of master plan is for a specific time period and after expiry of period it needs to revision and modification.
• Land Use Zoning – Allocating land for residential, commercial, industrial, and public purposes.
• Regulated Urban Growth – Ensuring planned expansion of cities and towns.

KEY POLICIES AND LEGAL FRAMEWORK:

• Assam Town and Country Planning Act, 1959 – Provides the framework for urban planning and development control in the state.
• In accordance with provision of Assam Town & Country Planning Act,1959 (as amended) Development Authorities are constituted by Assam Government for implementation of Zoning regulations and take up development works.
• Assam Unified Building Bye-Laws 2022: Regulations for construction and land use to ensure safety and aesthetic appeal.

KEY INITIATIVES:

• The Dhemaji Master Plan was prepared by T&CP, Dhemaji, published in 2007 and effect till 2025.
• The T&CP, Dhemaji assists Dhemaji Municipality and Dhemaji Development Authority in implementing urban projects, schemes and various developing activities.

• Currently in Dhemaji District the School of Planning and Architecture , New Delhi works on preparing Master Plan for Dhemaji (revised) and Silapathar as sponsored by NHPC,  Ltd in consultation with T&CP, Dhemaji.
• Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY-Urban) – Provides affordable housing for economically weaker sections

Future Prospects:

• Adoption of GIS-based planning and smart technology.
• Smart City Mission –Smart Cities initiative to modernize infrastructure and enhance urban services.
• Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation (AMRUT) – Focuses on improving urban infrastructure in Assam’s towns.
• Sustainable Urban Mobility Plan: Promoting better public transport and non-motorized transport facilities.
• Town Planning Scheme (TPS).
• Transit Oriented Development (TOD).

ORGANISATION STRUCTURE AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF T&CP, DHEMAJI:

• Deputy Director: Overall in-charge of the Town and Country Planning., Dhemaji
• Research Assistant: To assist the Deputy Director for conducting socio-economic surveys works and preparation of reports, analysis of survey works for Master plan and in different schemes.
• Junior Engineer: For engineering survey required in connection with preparation of Master Plan for town including design and estimate for different development schemes.
• Investigator: To help Research Assistant for various Survey works for preparing Master Plan and other development schemes.
• UDA: For establishment and accounts matters.
• LDA: All clerical and typing works and assist the U.D.A. in dealing establishment matters
• DM Gd II: Preparation of drawing / maps related to Master Plans of towns within the state and other drawing related matters
• Tracer: For tracing the maps in connection with Master Plans and engineering drawings.
• Grade IV/Peon: To help the dealing assistant as well as works related with Banks / Treasuries and survey works

CONCLUSION:

The Assam Town and Country Planning Department plays a critical role in shaping the state’s urban and rural landscape. With increasing urbanization, there is a need for sustainable planning, better infrastructure, and effective governance. By integrating modern technologies, enforcing regulations, and encouraging community participation, Assam can achieve well-planned urban growth while preserving its rich cultural and environmental heritage.