Urban Development Minister Suresh Bhardwaj chaired the meeting of the Board of Directors of HIMUDA here today. He said that HIMUDA has sold plots, flats and commercial properties worth Rs. 64 crores in the year 2019-2020.
He said that emphasis would be laid on the early completion of proposed residential colonies in Jathiya Devi and Rampur, Narghota (Dharamshala) and Dehra (Kangra) and industrial plots in Baddi and Parwanoo to create more employment opportunities, planned urbanization and residential / industrial development.
Suresh Bhardwaj said that the board has decided that Pong View residential colony would be constructed at Dehra at a cost of seven crore rupees, in which 90 plots of various categories would be constructed. 16 flats of category-1 will be constructed at Lohna Colony in Palampur at a cost of Rs. 11 crore. The board has decided to construct new flats in residential colony Sanjauli and also decided to build new shops in Theog.
The Urban Development Minister stressed the timely completion of deposit works. He also stressed on private participation for better urban and residential development in the state so that more investment avenues could be created in the region. It was also decided to adopt CPWD manual to bring quality in construction by HIMUDA. It was also decided to keep the commercial rate of water supply unchanged for three years.
Suresh Bhardwaj stressed on accelerating the construction of residential colony at Rampur (Shimla), Dharampur (Solan), Rajwadi (Sudernagar) and Jathya Devi (Shimla). The Minister directed to work soon on converting large plots of HIMUDA into small industrial plots in Parwanoo and Baddi keeping in view of demand of industries.
Directions were also given to make efforts to sell the land of HIMUDA to other departments like Income Tax Department, State Insurance Corporation, Excise and Taxation, City Gas Distribution Network and Central University Kangra etc. so that HIMUDA could get revenue to develop residential/ commercial colonies in the state.
Chief Executive Officer and Secretary HIMUDA, Akshay Sood said that the Board of Directors has approved the filling of 20 posts of various categories through Himachal Pradesh Staff Selection Commission. The board also passed the budget for the year 2020-2021.
During the tenure of the present government, revenue of Rs. 110 crore has been received by HIMUDA from residential and industrial properties. It was informed in the meeting that 466 plots and 356 flats of HIMUDA are ready for sale at various places which would be advertised soon. The board also approved a new land pooling policy under which new colonies will be constructed in the state in collaboration with private partners / landowners.
Board of Directors has also recommended constructing small industrial plots of 400 sqm to 1000 sqm in Industrial City Mandhala, District Solan and commercial to small industrial plots in Parwanoo Industrial Area.
The board also decided to rationalize non-construction charges. Keeping in mind the COVID-19 pandemic, the Board decided to give relief to the allottees for some time.
Board members were also present on the occasion.