Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet Approves Draft Bill to Streamline Urban Development

Strategic Insights -

The Arunachal Pradesh Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Pema Khandu, convened at Ziro in Lower Subansiri district on Monday and approved the introduction of the Draft Arunachal Pradesh Urban and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill in the forthcoming Legislative Assembly session. This move aims to streamline urban growth and development in the state, which has 47 notified urban centres requiring structured planning interventions to curb haphazard growth. The cabinet has also sanctioned four new fire stations and created 68 posts to strengthen emergency response capacity across vulnerable regions.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Draft Arunachal Pradesh Urban and Country Planning (Amendment) Bill aims to provide a legal framework for town planning schemes and land pooling, enabling the state to access Rs 100 crore in capital incentives during the current financial year.
  • The bill will introduce new planning schemes, transfer development rights, and empower local bodies to implement master plans in line with national and constitutional provisions, including the 74th Amendment Act.
  • The cabinet has sanctioned four new fire stations at Mebo (East Siang), Kimin (Papum Pare), Deomali (Tirap), and Lungla (Tawang), along with the creation of 68 posts to provide adequate manpower.
  • The move aims to strengthen emergency response capacity across vulnerable regions, recognizing urgent needs in public safety.
  • The Arunachal Pradesh Municipal Property Tax Management Rule, 2025, has been prepared by the directorate of town planning under the Urban Affairs department and will be implemented in all municipal areas in the first phase.
  • The cabinet has also cleared the Arunachal Pradesh Municipal (Control on Advertisement) Regulations, 2025, designed to regulate outdoor advertising and balance commercial interests with urban aesthetics.
  • Amendments to the Arunachal Pradesh (Land Settlement and Records) Rules, 2012 have been approved, paving the way for allotment of government land on lease for agriculture, residential, commercial, industrial, and public utility purposes.

Statistics:

  • 47 notified urban centres in Arunachal Pradesh require structured planning interventions to curb haphazard growth.
  • The state will access Rs 100 crore in capital incentives during the current financial year under the scheme for special assistance to the states for capital investment 2025-26.
  • 68 posts have been created to provide adequate manpower for the sanctioned new fire stations.
  • Lease tenures will be up to 50 years, extendable for another 49 years, for government land allotment on lease.

Sources:

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