SEPPA, Nov 6: The proposed Draft Seppa Master Plan–2051, which envisages the town’s development over the next 25 years, was discussed at a meeting chaired by Additional Deputy Commissioner (ADC) Pama Bagang here on Friday.
The meeting focused on Seppa’s future development, infrastructure requirements and challenges associated with planned urban expansion. It was attended by East Kameng Zilla Parishad Chairperson Pai Pizi Yangfo, Town Planner Terge Sora, representatives of RSI, officials of various departments and members of the Seppa Planning Area.
Addressing the gathering, Bagang underscored the need for a comprehensive development framework to address Seppa’s growing infrastructure requirements. He said the Master Plan would serve as a guide for ensuring orderly development while taking into account the future needs of both urban and rural areas.
Town Planner Sora briefed the participants on the key provisions of the draft plan and the Arunachal Pradesh Building Bye-Laws, 2019. He said the notified Seppa Planning Area covers approximately 93 sq km, comprising 4.58 sq km of urban area and 88.92 sq km of rural area.
He also stressed the need for greater coordination with Panchayati Raj Institutions and training for Panchayat Member Secretaries on building regulations and development permissions. Seeking the cooperation of the ZPC and other Panchayat representatives, he called for grassroots-level awareness to keep local communities informed about the proposed planning measures.
Senior Urban Planner Arnab Halder, representing RSI, made a detailed PowerPoint presentation on the draft plan, using 2021 as the base year and outlining development proposals up to 2051.
The presentation covered land-use planning, road networks, traffic management, electricity and water supply, sanitation, solid waste management, educational and healthcare facilities, disaster preparedness, riverfront development and a proposed alternative bypass road to ease traffic congestion in Seppa.
The proposed road Right of Way (ROW) emerged as a key concern during the discussion. Participants expressed apprehension over possible encroachments and suggested that fresh land allotments should not be permitted within the proposed ROW areas. They stressed that safeguarding these areas would be crucial for future road widening and infrastructure development.
District Disaster Management Officer Kelay Sono highlighted the need to strengthen disaster preparedness and called for the installation of public address systems at vulnerable and strategic locations to facilitate timely dissemination of emergency warnings and evacuation instructions.
The meeting stressed the need for coordinated efforts among the district administration, line departments, PRIs and local stakeholders to ensure that the proposed Master Plan adequately addresses Seppa’s long-term development needs. (DIPRO)