New leadership sparks hope for modern urban development in Amritsar

AMRITSAR: With the recent appointment of the new Chairman of the Amritsar Improvement Trust (AIT), there is renewed hope that the holy city of Amritsar will fully incorporate elements of modern urban living that align with its renowned religious landmarks, sanctity, and spiritual significance.Former Mayor of Amritsar, Karamjit Singh Rintu, who is all set to join his office as Chairman of AIT next week says he is currently undertaking a thorough study of the development models and initiatives implemented by various cities that excelled in enhancing public facilities, streamlining traffic management, and promoting urban growth both vertically and through the creation of well-planned colonies.“I am keenly examining the best practices and innovative strategies adopted by other Improvement Trusts across the nation. Coupled with my vision and experience as former Mayor of Amritsar, this analysis will serve as a foundation for transforming Amritsar and ensure that the city benefits from the most effective urban development approaches,” said Karamjit adding that the ultimate goal is to enhance infrastructure, promote sustainability, and improve the overall quality of life for its residents, making Amritsar a Holy City in a true sense.Unfortunately, successive governments and chairmen of the AIT failed to introduce innovative residential, commercial, or mixed-use development schemes essential for the city's growth. While some schemes like Ranjit Avenue and New Amritsar, were introduced, they have not been sufficient to meet the evolving demands of urbanization. Moreover, many of the existing schemes primarily focused on legalising illegal colonies through fines and other compensatory measures rather than addressing the root causes of unplanned urban expansion.While refraining to name or comment on his predecessors, he said, “There has been a lack of strategic urban planning that hindered Amritsar's ability to modernize and effectively accommodate its growing population, which is around 15 lakh now. I am of the view that there is a pressing need for comprehensive development initiatives that offer sustainable solutions and modern infrastructure, ensuring that both residential and commercial areas are properly regulated and planned for the long-term benefit of its residents and businesses".