Dehradun: The Uttarakhand government is set to formulate a new housing policy in the state, while work on assessing the carrying capacity of major cities and religious pilgrimage sites will begin shortly. These directions were issued by Housing Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar, an IAS officer of the 2007 from Uttarakhand cadre, during a review meeting of housing and urban development-related departments.
The meeting focused on reviewing ongoing schemes, future planning, and addressing emerging challenges related to urbanisation and sustainable development in the hill state.
Review of Housing and Urban Development Authorities
During the meeting, Housing Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar reviewed the functioning and progress of the Uttarakhand Housing and Urban Development Authority along with district-level development authorities.
He also took stock of projects being implemented by Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) and Haridwar-Roorkee Development Authority (HRDA). While reviewing HRDA’s projects, he instructed officials to complete all pending development works on a priority basis to avoid delays and ensure timely delivery.
Read also: Uttarakhand Government and ITBP Sign MoU to Launch “Healthy Border Campaign” for 108 Border Villages
Focus on Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 1.0 and 2.0
A detailed review was conducted on the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 1.0 and 2.0. The Housing Secretary examined the progress of ongoing construction works, approvals, and housing allocations under the scheme.
He directed officials to ensure that all work is completed within the stipulated time frame so that housing benefits can reach eligible and needy beneficiaries in urban areas without delay. Special emphasis was laid on timely execution to meet housing targets.
New Housing Policy to Address Current Urban Challenges
Housing Secretary Dr. Rajesh Kumar said that formulating a new housing policy has become essential as the validity of the existing policy issued in 2017 has expired.
He instructed officials that the upcoming policy must comprehensively address:
- Rapid urbanisation
- Affordable housing needs
- Unique geographical challenges of hilly regions
- Sustainable and environmentally balanced development
The new housing policy, he said, should align with present-day realities and future urban growth requirements of Uttarakhand.
Carrying Capacity Assessment of Cities and Pilgrimage Sites
The draft prepared for the Carrying Capacity Assessment Study was also discussed in detail during the meeting. Dr. Rajesh Kumar described this study as crucial for major cities, pilgrimage destinations, and environmentally sensitive regions, particularly the Char Dham areas.
He instructed that the carrying capacity assessment should be taken up on a priority basis in hilly areas, ensuring that development activities are carried out without disturbing ecological balance and environmental sustainability.
Deadline Set for Completion of PMAY (Urban) Works
Regarding Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 1.0 works under NPMC, the Housing Secretary directed officials to ensure completion of all pending works within the stipulated deadline of September 2026.
Officials were also instructed to issue formal letters within 15 days to complete all necessary procedures, including housing allocation, so that beneficiaries can receive possession without further delays.
Emphasis on Sustainable and Planned Development
The Housing Secretary reiterated that future urban and housing development in Uttarakhand must strike a balance between development and environmental conservation, especially in the fragile hill ecosystem. He stressed that planned growth, guided by scientific studies like carrying capacity assessment, is essential to protect the state’s natural and cultural heritage.
