In a significant move aimed at managing urbanisation and fostering sustainable growth, Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced the creation of a new world-class township named 'Him-Chandigarh'. The township will be developed in the Shitalpur area of Solan district, near the state's border with Chandigarh.
Land Acquisition and Planning for Him-Chandigarh
The Chief Minister revealed that three panchayats have expressed willingness to provide land for the ambitious project through a land pooling mechanism. This development follows a state cabinet decision that has already approved the transfer of 3,400 bighas of land to the housing department for this purpose. Sukhu stated that the process of acquiring more land will be completed within the next six months.
To ensure the township boasts international-standard amenities, the government will soon appoint expert consultants. The announcement underscores the state's focus on inclusive and sustainable urban development to address the challenges posed by a growing population and increasing urbanisation.
A Flurry of Citizen-Centric Schemes Launched
Alongside the township announcement, CM Sukhu inaugurated the second phase of the 'Citizen Connect Programme', which falls under the state's flagship 'Clean City, Prosperous City' initiative. Several new schemes were rolled out simultaneously, marking a major push for urban welfare and infrastructure.
The key launches included:
- The 'Rajiv Gandhi Laghu Dukaandaar Sukh Kalyan Yojana' for small shopkeepers.
- 15 new municipal shared services centres.
- Nine online citizen services.
- The 'Chief Minister Urban Digital Identity Scheme'.
- Central business districts in Hamirpur and Shimla.
- Hydraulic parking facilities under the urban development department.
Sukhu also distributed settlement letters to small traders and awarded letters to Self-Help Groups under the 'Amrit Mitra Scheme'. Urban Local Bodies were recognised for their exemplary work, and the Urban Development department signed four Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) with industrial houses in the presence of the Chief Minister.
Major Investments and Technological Integration
The Chief Minister outlined a series of high-value urban development projects worth hundreds of crores. These include a Rs 400 crore shopping complex in Mandi, a Rs 150 crore city beautification project, and a shopping complex to replace an old bus stand in Hamirpur. He announced that urban development projects worth Rs 707 crore will be implemented soon, with additional facilities worth Rs 500 crore planned for Shimla.
Emphasising the use of technology, Sukhu praised the 'Him Seva Facility Portal' for providing all citizen services through a single platform. Geographic Information System (GIS) technology is being deployed for urban planning, revenue growth, tax transparency, and property verification across 36 urban local bodies.
Highlighting welfare measures, Sukhu mentioned the Chief Minister Urban Livelihood Guarantee Scheme, which promises 120 days of assured employment to the urban poor. In a relief for small shopkeepers, the government announced a one-time settlement option for outstanding bank loans of up to Rs 2 lakh. Specifically, shopkeepers with loans up to Rs 1 lakh declared as Non-Performing Assets (NPAs) will be eligible for a settlement facility of up to Rs 1 lakh.
Echoing the vision, Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh stressed the use of modern technology for efficient service delivery and inclusive development. He affirmed that the state's urban infrastructure is being developed in alignment with demographic growth, emphasising that efficient and dedicated execution is crucial for the success of these new schemes.
