Dehradun: Uttarakhand is moving ahead with two major projects to modernise government infrastructure, with a ₹48.84 crore state guest house proposed in Ratudha, Rudraprayag, and 48 new Category-3 government houses planned at Race Course in Dehradun.
The projects were reviewed in two meetings chaired by State Property and Housing Department Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar. Officials have been asked to focus on modern design, environmental protection, low maintenance costs and long-term usability.
The projects are being taken forward in line with Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami’s directions to improve government infrastructure across the state.
₹48.84 Crore State Guest House Proposed in Ratudha
A detailed estimate of ₹4,884.20 lakh, or around ₹48.84 crore, has been prepared for the proposed state guest house at Ratudha in Rudraprayag.
The facility will include modern amenities and infrastructure designed to meet future requirements. Special attention will be given to its conference hall, which will include upgraded video-conferencing facilities, large flat-screen TVs and other technology-enabled features.
The guest house is expected to serve more than an accommodation facility. Its conference infrastructure could support administrative meetings, official discussions and other important engagements in the hill region.
Construction to Follow Environmental Norms
Environmental safeguards form an important part of the Ratudha project. The Public Works Department, which will execute the construction, has been instructed to ensure that the site remains at least 200 metres from the river.
Officials have also been directed to obtain the necessary certification as per the standards prescribed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and maintain the documents in official records.
The approach aims to balance the development of modern government infrastructure with environmental considerations in the ecologically sensitive hill region.
Local Architecture to Shape Guest House Design
The proposed guest house will also receive a distinctive architectural identity. The main entrance and central building will be designed attractively, with instructions to display the state guest house logo prominently.
The department has emphasised the use of local architectural styles, taking into account the geographical and cultural characteristics of Uttarakhand’s mountainous areas.
This could help the new government asset reflect the character of the region while providing modern facilities.
48 New Government Houses Planned at Race Course
In Dehradun, the government is planning to construct 48 new Category-3 residential buildings at the Old Officers’ Colony in Race Course.
The project has an estimated cost of ₹2,807.21 lakh, or around ₹28.07 crore. The houses will come up on land cleared after the removal of old and dilapidated buildings.
The project is aimed at addressing the residential requirements of government employees while creating a more organised and modern housing complex.
Low-Maintenance Materials to Reduce Future Costs
The government is also considering the long-term cost of maintaining the new residential buildings.
Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar has directed officials to use exterior construction materials and finishes that require less maintenance and fewer frequent repairs. This approach could help reduce recurring expenditure on government properties over the years.
The planning therefore considers both the initial construction cost and the future maintenance burden of the buildings.
Green Building and Rainwater Harvesting in Focus
The Race Course housing project will follow green building standards, with rainwater harvesting included as a mandatory feature.
The system will help conserve rainwater and support groundwater conservation, adding an environmental component to the residential development.
Officials have also been asked to prepare separate, attractive designs and formats for clearly displaying the names of the respective residential colonies outside their premises.
Uttarakhand Focuses on Modern Government Assets
Together, the two projects indicate a broader focus on upgrading government properties across Uttarakhand.
While the Ratudha project will create a modern state guest house in the hill region, the Race Course project will provide new residential infrastructure for government employees in the state capital.
Both projects incorporate modern design, technology, environmental safeguards and measures aimed at controlling long-term maintenance costs.
Quality and Timely Completion Stressed
Secretary of Housing and State Property Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar said residential and state property development works are being taken forward on priority under the guidance of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami.
He stressed the need to maintain quality, transparency and timely execution in every project. He also reiterated that local architectural styles should be prioritised in construction work in view of Uttarakhand’s geographical and cultural characteristics.
Officials have been directed to regularly review the projects and ensure completion within the timelines so that the intended benefits reach the concerned people at the earliest.
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