Dainik Nation News Portal
DAINIK NATION BUREAU/DEHRADUN
Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami, while presiding over a high-level meeting of the Housing Department at the Secretariat today, directed officials to re-verify the beneficiaries of the Economically Weaker Section (EWS) housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban). He emphasized that only truly eligible individuals should be granted benefits under the scheme. The Chief Minister also reiterated that strict action must be taken against anyone involved in misusing the scheme, either by giving or receiving benefits through improper means.
He directed that in future allotments under the housing scheme, eligibility verification must be conducted rigorously. Stressing the need for better urban planning, the Chief Minister called for the expedited preparation of city master plans across the state. He also emphasized assessing the carrying capacity of cities to ensure sustainable development.
Highlighting environmental concerns, the Chief Minister urged focus on water conservation and tree plantation in urban areas. He said construction activities must strictly follow approved building plans. Additionally, he instructed officials to ensure rainwater harvesting systems and green cover are incorporated in new buildings and housing societies.
The Chief Minister also called for firm action against encroachments and directed that house maps be approved within stipulated timelines to ensure ease for the general public.
Pushing for balanced regional growth, CM Dhami directed the Housing Department to work on developing one new city each in both Garhwal and Kumaon divisions, integrating them with the state’s spiritual zone. He also called for a comprehensive housing assessment to gauge current and future demands, along with a well-structured action plan for inclusive housing development. The redevelopment of congested areas and optimal land use in urban centers were also stressed.
Principal Secretary R. Meenakshi Sundaram informed that the Housing Department is currently working on eight “game changer” projects. In response to increasing urban population, parking infrastructure is being developed at 191 locations across the state—including 109 multilevel, 10 tunnel, 63 surface, and 9 automated parking sites. Of these, 48 projects have been completed, and 47 are under construction.
The meeting was attended by Infrastructure Monitoring Council Vice President Vishwas Dabur, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary R.K. Sudhanshu, MDDA Vice President Banshidhar Tiwari, CPPGG Additional CEO Manoj Pant, and other senior officials.
