Ladakh LG approves interim land-use norms, eases rules for small plots within municipal limits

Leh, Jul 7 (PTI) Ladakh Lieutenant Governor V K Saxena on Tuesday approved an interim land-use regulatory framework allowing the use of plots up to two kanals within Municipal Committee limits for residential, commercial, industrial or mixed-use purposes without prior approval. However, prohibited activities without prior approval include Red and Orange category industries in commercial areas; Red, Orange and Green category industries, slaughterhouses, commercial animal rearing, stone quarries, storage of inflammable materials, and burial grounds or crematoria in residential and mixed-use areas, an official spokesperson said. The approved framework was aimed at removing long-standing uncertainty over land use and ensuring that citizens do not face hardship in obtaining building permissions, in the absence of notified Master Plans in Ladakh, he said. He said the decision addresses a major regulatory gap that existed due to the absence of notified Master Plans and Zonal Development Plans, under which there was no clearly defined distinction regarding the nature of activities – residential, commercial, industrial or mixed-use – that could be undertaken on land within municipal areas. This often resulted in uncertainty for citizens seeking building permissions and undertaking legitimate developmental activities, the spokesperson said. Recognising the inconvenience being faced by the people, the Lt Governor intervened to establish a transparent, demand-driven interim framework that enables development while ensuring proper regulation, until statutory planning instruments are notified. "Planned urban development is essential for the long-term growth and sustainability of Ladakh. At the same time, the absence of notified Master Plans should not become a hurdle for citizens seeking to construct homes, establish businesses or undertake legitimate developmental activities. “This interim framework balances developmental needs with environmental safeguards and provides much-needed regulatory clarity until the Master Plans are finalised," the Lt Governor said. The officials said presently, there are no urban development authorities in Ladakh, which is a statutory prerequisite for the preparation and notification of Master Plans and Zonal Development Plans. Consequently, urban development and building permissions in Ladakh are presently regulated through the Ladakh Building Bye-laws, 2025. The spokesperson said the approved framework is also aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s broader deregulation exercise, based on the principle of "everything is permitted unless specifically prohibited”, thereby facilitating ease of doing business, reducing procedural delays and ensuring that genuine developmental activities continue in a transparent and regulated manner while the statutory planning framework is being prepared. Municipal Committees have been directed to issue detailed operational guidelines for the effective regulation of land use and building construction in accordance with these directions, the spokesperson said. He said the interim framework shall remain in force until the Master Plans, Zonal Development Plans and related statutory regulations are notified, after which all future development shall be governed by the provisions of the notified planning framework. PTI TAS NB