India, July 8 -- 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. Also Read - Delhi HC seeks Centre's stand on Ambassador Hotel's plea against show-cause notice for eviction 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.

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