Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 31 Jul: Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami today directed officials to re-verify beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) for economically weaker sections in urban areas, emphasising that only genuinely eligible individuals must receive benefits. In a review meeting of the Housing Department held at the Secretariat, Dhami ordered stringent action against those who fraudulently avail of or facilitate ineligible claims. He categorically stated that all future housing allocations under PMAY must conform strictly to prescribed eligibility norms.
The CM also stressed on the need to expedite the formulation of master plans for urban centres across the state, while simultaneously evaluating their carrying capacities. Stressing on the necessity of water conservation and afforestation, he also instructed that all construction activities must strictly adhere to maps approved by the respective urban bodies. In particular, he emphasised the importance of water harvesting systems and green cover in residential buildings and societies. In addition, he also stressed on measures for timely clearance of housing maps, the removal of encroachments and keeping public convenience as a priority.
Dhami ordered accelerated efforts towards developing one new city each in the state’s Garhwal and Kumaon divisions, with emphasis on integrating spiritual and cultural zones. He instructed the officials to assess the state’s current housing requirements, analyse demand across segments, project future needs, and devise comprehensive action plans. He also stressed on the importance of optimising land utilisation and redeveloping densely populated urban pockets.
Principal Secretary R Meenakshi Sundaram apprised the CM that the Housing Development Department is currently pursuing eight transformational schemes. He further stated that in view of the increasing urban population, the construction of 191 parking facilities is in progress, comprising 109 multi-level structures, 10 tunnel-based parks, 63 surface-level lots, and 9 automated solutions. Of these, 48 projects have already been completed, while work is ongoing on 47 others.
Among those who participated in the meeting included Vice Chairman of Infrastructure Monitoring Council Vishwas Dawar, Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan, Principal Secretary RK Sudhanshu, MDDA Vice Chairman Banshidhar Tiwari, Additional Chief Executive Officer CPPGG Manoj Pant, along with other senior officials.
