The Uttarakhand government has initiated a major urban development plan to construct new, planned cities in the mountainous regions of the state. The first such city will be developed in Bilwakedar (Srinagar) under Pauri district, with the goal of not only stopping the mass migration from hill areas but also encouraging local-level economic growth. As part of this initiative, consultant selection for the project is expected to be completed within this month.
Housing Minister Calls for Timely Execution
Housing Minister Mr. Premchand Agarwal stated that the Uttarakhand Housing and Urban Development Authority (UUDA) has been instructed to expedite the consultant appointment process. The consultant will be tasked with preparing a master plan and development model for the proposed city. According to Mr. Agarwal, the planned city will be developed with integrated infrastructure, including housing, transport, commerce, education, and healthcare facilities.
A Solution to the Migration Crisis
Uttarakhand has long been grappling with the challenge of migration from mountainous villages to the plains due to the lack of employment and amenities. With many villages now nearly deserted, the government sees this urban development initiative as a key solution. By establishing well-equipped cities in the hills, youth and families can access local employment, education, and a better quality of life, reducing the need to relocate.
Minister Agarwal highlighted that since the construction of New Tehri, no planned city has been built in the state, and it is high time to take decisive action.
Expansion Plans in Kumaon Division
The state’s efforts are not limited to the Garhwal region. The government is also working on establishing new hill cities in the Kumaon division. Orders have already been issued to fast-track land selection in the region. The move is expected to promote balanced regional development, ensuring that urban amenities are extended to remote hilly areas as well.
Chief Minister Dhami Emphasizes Public Participation
Chief Minister Mr. Pushkar Singh Dhami has expressed strong support for the initiative. Addressing residents of Vikaskhand Yamkeshwar via virtual interaction, he emphasized that public participation is crucial for effective governance. He assured citizens that the government is committed to delivering public welfare schemes on time and highlighted several platforms like the CM Dashboard, CM Helpline, and the Quick Solution Team, which have been created to resolve citizen grievances swiftly.
Quick Solution Team in Pauri Garners Praise
Mr. Dhami specifically lauded the Quick Solution Team operational in Pauri district, calling it an example for other districts. He reiterated the government’s commitment to the mantra of “Reform, Transform and Perform,” drawing inspiration from Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi. He noted that Uttarakhand is steadily moving forward in line with India’s vision of becoming a developed nation.
Citizens’ Voices at the Centre of Governance
During the interaction, the Chief Minister also engaged with beneficiaries of various state schemes and assured them that policy decisions are being made with the common citizen’s needs in mind. He stressed that true good governance lies not just in policy formulation but in effective on-ground implementation and public trust-building through regular dialogue.
This planned city initiative marks a historic step for Uttarakhand, blending infrastructure development with socio-economic transformation in the hill regions.
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