Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani on Monday reaffirmed the state government’s commitment to providing affordable housing and promoting planned township development across the state.
While presiding over the Board of Directors meeting of the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA), he emphasised the state government was launching ambitious urban projects to cater to the rising demand for quality housing and to enhance public convenience through structured urban growth.
The Board granted approval to initiate preliminary activities for several key projects with an initial allocation of Rs 5 crore. These include the proposed Him Chandigarh Township at Sheetalpur in Baddi (Solan district), a new township at Morni Hills in Pachhad, and another planned development township at Lunj near Kangra airport. These projects are expected to modernise the state’s urban areas and provide strategic residential hubs in high-growth corridors.
Highlighting progress near the state capital, the minister said in the first phase of the Jathia Devi project near Shimla, HIMUDA will develop 919 residential units on 21 bighas of land at an estimated cost of Rs 1,327 crore. This flagship project aims to decongest Shimla city and stimulate economic activity in surrounding peripheral areas. The Board also took a significant policy decision to reserve a special quota of residential plots and flats for Olympic and Asian Games medalists, Gallantry Award winners, and recipients of the Children’s Bravery Awards.
The meeting also approved various commercial and infrastructure projects across other districts. A commercial complex comprising 17 shops, two halls, and an Executive Engineer’s office will be built in Ghumarwin, Bilaspur, at a cost of Rs 7.69 crore. In Shree Jwala Ji Shakti Vihar Colony in Kangra district, the Board sanctioned the development of 130 residential plots and commercial spaces across 125 kanals of land, estimated at Rs 18.61 crore.
The Board also approved a five per cent discount for allottees making lump-sum payments within 45 days of receiving their allotment letters. Major policy reforms were introduced, including nod to new colonies under the Land Pooling Policy with consent of landowners. Moreover, a Buy-Back Policy and a Redevelopment Policy was approved to streamline the maintenance and development of government housing and assets.
The meeting was attended by HIMUDA Vice-Chairman Yashwant Chhajta, Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta, Principal Secretary Devesh Kumar, CEO and Secretary Dr Surinder Kumar Vashisht, along with non-official board members and senior officials from various departments.
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