Chandigarh: In a key administrative reshuffle, the Haryana government has appointed retired IAS officer Devender Singh (IAS:1987:HY) as Advisor, Urban Development, relieving former Chief Secretary D S Dhesi (IAS:1982:HY) from the post.
An official order issued by Chief Secretary Anurag Rastogi on Wednesday confirmed the appointment. Singh, who retired in August 2022, will now take over the supervision and strategic direction of the Metropolitan Development Authorities in Sonipat and Hisar.
Veteran Administrator to Guide Urban Growth
Mr Singh brings decades of administrative experience, having held several pivotal portfolios in the Haryana government. These include Additional Chief Secretary (ACS) roles across departments such as:
- Public Health Engineering
- Irrigation & Water Resources
- Town & Country Planning
- Urban Estates
Skill Development & Industrial Training
Following his retirement in 2022—after the Centre declined a request for extension—Singh was appointed as Advisor, Irrigation to the Chief Minister. His new role in Urban Development signals a continuity of trust in his expertise.
Transition from D S Dhesi
Singh replaces D S Dhesi, also a retired IAS officer, who had been serving as Advisor, Urban Development. Dhesi, a 1982 batch officer, had previously held the top post of Chief Secretary of Haryana and was known for his role in long-term urban planning and infrastructure initiatives.
While the formal terms and conditions of Singh’s new assignment will be issued separately, the focus is expected to be on steering integrated urban growth, resolving metropolitan challenges, and accelerating planned development in Sonipat and Hisar—two rapidly growing urban centres in Haryana.
Expertise in Urban and Infrastructure Planning
Singh’s vast experience in infrastructure and urban affairs positions him well to lead large-scale urban projects and contribute to Haryana’s ongoing efforts to modernize its city governance frameworks.
