my uttarakhand news Bureau
Dehradun, 29 Jan: Uttarakhand Government has claimed that it has taken an important step towards realising Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat–2047’ vision with the Housing and Urban Development Corporation (HUDCO) set to play a key role in the state’s housing and urban development plans. The government shared in a statement issued today that under the leadership of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, a detailed review of housing and urban development schemes being implemented with HUDCO’s support was held here today. The meeting focussed on housing for all, development of new towns and ensuring balanced growth of urban and rural areas. With the objective of accelerating housing for all, development of new towns and balanced growth of urban and rural areas, an extensive review was conducted of schemes being implemented in the state with the support of the Housing and Urban Development Corporation.
The review meeting, chaired by Housing Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar, held detailed deliberations on the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, (PMAY) the Rental Housing Scheme and future urban development strategies, with a primary focus on meeting the state’s long-term housing requirements, particularly ensuring affordable, safe and sustainable housing for the Economically Weaker Sections and Lower Income Groups.
During the meeting, a consensus was reached on preparing a comprehensive and practical action plan keeping in view Uttarakhand’s geographical, social and economic conditions, aligned with the Developed India 2047 goal and housing needs up to 2050. The proposed roadmap will include planned construction in both urban and rural areas, expansion of basic infrastructure and the conceptualisation of new towns to cater to future population growth.
During the meeting, regional Head and State In-charge of HUDCO, Sanjay Bhargava assured the state government of full cooperation in the development of new cities and townships in Uttarakhand, including support in land acquisition, master planning and financial assistance. He said HUDCO would extend the benefit of its experience of developing new towns in various states of the country to Uttarakhand as well.
Special emphasis was laid on ensuring that housing schemes are not confined to cities alone but are also implemented in a planned manner in rural and mountainous regions. This approach is expected to help curb migration, generate local employment and strengthen regional balance across the state.
It was decided that in the state’s ten hilly districts, greater promotion would be given to local building technologies and traditional construction materials. This would not only help reduce construction costs but also promote environmental conservation and preserve the state’s cultural heritage. The meeting also agreed on simplifying building approval processes and adopting innovative methods for affordable housing construction.
Discussions were further held on giving fresh impetus to rental housing schemes along with the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana to ensure safe and affordable accommodation for migrant workers, youth and the working population. This initiative is expected to help curb unplanned settlements in urban areas.
It was shared during the meeting that HUDCO Dehradun has so far sanctioned 115 housing and urban development schemes in the state, involving loan assistance amounting to Rs 1,543.34 crores, underlining HUDCO’s strong commitment to housing development in Uttarakhand.
It was emphasised that joint efforts of the state government and HUDCO would significantly enhance the housing availability, ensure a dignified standard of living for the EWS and LIG population and accelerate Uttarakhand’s progress towards modern, sustainable and inclusive development.
Housing Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar said that under PM Narendra Modi’s ‘Viksit Bharat–2047’ vision and the leadership of CM Dhami, housing for all has been accorded the highest priority in Uttarakhand. He said that with HUDCO’s support, the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, rental housing schemes and the development of future new towns would gain fresh momentum, with the clear objective of providing affordable, safe and sustainable housing to the EWS and LIG categories while ensuring balanced and inclusive development in both urban and rural areas.
Bhargava said HUDCO would work closely with the Uttarakhand government to provide full support in the field of housing and urban development. He said the construction of new towns, promotion of rental housing and affordable housing for the EWS and LIG sections remain top priorities and that keeping the next 25 years in view, HUDCO would play an active role in preparing a long-term and practical housing development strategy for the state.
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