Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun/Rudrapur, 25 Jun: The Dhami government has announced a major housing initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), bringing affordable modern flats to families from economically weaker sections (EWS) in Rudrapur’s Bagwala. The project, one of the largest EWS housing schemes in Uttarakhand, is set to provide homes to 1,872 families, with the construction of 832 flats already complete and another 512 nearing final stages. The government plans to hand over keys to beneficiaries soon, fulfilling a long-standing dream of secure housing for thousands.
Each flat, built at a cost of Rs 6 lakhs, will be made available to beneficiaries for just Rs 3 lakhs, with the remaining amount subsidised equally by the Centre and the state. Developed over 6.0281 hectares with a built-up area of 39,220 square metres, the project comprises 23 multi-storey blocks equipped with earthquake-resistant technology, wide roads, parking, water supply, electricity and sanitation facilities. These flats, measuring about 28 square metres, include a bedroom, drawing room, kitchen, toilet, bathroom and verandah, designed to provide dignity and comfort to small families.
The officials from the Housing Department claim that the housing complex has been planned as a sustainable township with rainwater harvesting, a modern sewage treatment plant, landscaped parks, children’s play areas and horticulture works, creating an environmentally friendly atmosphere. Located just three kilometres from the main market, six kilometres from the bus station and eight kilometres from the railway station, the project ensures easy access to education, healthcare and employment opportunities.
According to Secretary, Housing, Dr R Rajesh Kumar, the allocation process will be conducted transparently through computerised random lottery. Applicants must be registered on the PMAY MIS portal, be residents of Uttarakhand prior to 17 June 2015, have an annual income of Rs 3 lakhs or less, and not own a permanent house anywhere in the country. Applications can be initiated with a deposit of Rs 5,000, with bank loan facilities available for the balance.
Safety and quality standards have been prioritised, with RCC boundary walls, completed electrical works certified by UPCL, fire safety systems tested by the fire department, and water supply ensured through underground and overhead tanks.
The project, monitored by Housing Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar is seen as a landmark in inclusive development.
Dr Rajesh Kumar asserted that the Bagwala housing project will bring positive change to the lives of economically weaker families, providing them with secure, modern homes. He emphasised that all works have been completed in line with prescribed standards and that allocation will begin shortly, marking a new chapter of dignity, safety and opportunity for thousands of families in Uttarakhand.
At present, however, there seems to be no plan in the offing for the residents of Dehradun or Haridwar, which are the most populous cities in the state. Neither the Housing Department, nor the MDDA have any such plan for Dehradun and the Haridwar Development Authority for Haridwar.
