The Uttarakhand government will soon introduce a new housing policy, along with a scientific assessment of the carrying capacity of major cities and religious destinations across the state. The directions were issued by Housing Secretary Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar during a review meeting held in Dehradun.
During the meeting, the secretary reviewed the functioning of the Uttarakhand Housing and Urban Development Authority and district-level development authorities. The progress of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban) 1.0 and 2.0 was also assessed in detail. Officials were instructed to complete all construction, approval and allotment-related work within the prescribed timelines so that eligible urban beneficiaries receive housing on time.
Dr. Rajesh Kumar said that framing a new housing policy has become essential for the state, as the existing housing policy issued in 2017 has completed its validity period. He directed officials to ensure that the upcoming policy addresses current urbanisation challenges, affordable housing needs, geographical conditions of hilly areas and the principles of sustainable development.
Projects being implemented by Mussoorie Dehradun Development Authority (MDDA) and Haridwar Roorkee Development Authority (HRDA) were also reviewed. HRDA was directed to complete all pending development works on priority.
The meeting also discussed the draft prepared for the Carrying Capacity Assessment Study. The housing secretary described the study as crucial for major towns, pilgrimage centres, especially the Char Dham region, and other environmentally sensitive areas. He instructed that mountainous regions should be given priority under this study to ensure balanced development while maintaining environmental stability.
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Under the National Project Management Consultancy framework, officials were directed to complete all pending works related to PM Awas Yojana (Urban) 1.0 by the September 2026 deadline. Instructions were also issued to complete allotment and related formalities within 15 days by issuing official communication.
