Dr. Shikha Mishra
Dehradun, April 30, 2026: In a major step towards making construction activities more transparent and well-regulated, a high-level meeting chaired by Housing Secretary Dr R. Rajesh Kumar was held at the Secretariat on Thursday. The meeting decided to integrate the map approval process for projects located outside planned areas with the under-construction website of the Uttarakhand Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA).
Under this initiative, map-approval authorities will be onboarded onto the RERA portal, enabling online, transparent and time-bound approvals. The move aims to streamline procedures and reduce delays. RERA members Naresh Mathpal and Pankaj Kulshreshtha, MDDA Secretary Mohan Singh Verniya, Additional District Magistrate Uttarkashi Mukta Mishra, Joint Director Panchayati Raj M.S. Rana, and Senior Town and Country Planner Shashi Mohan Srivastava, among others, participated in the meeting via video conference. Issues related to RERA and complexities in construction approvals were discussed in detail.
Review of land-use change charges ordered; Panchayats to lose map approval powers in notified Housing Department areas; proposals sought within a week
Enhanced coordination between RERA and authorities to curb illegal construction and unauthorised colonies: Dr R. Rajesh Kumar
Review of Land-Use Change Charges
The meeting took up for discussion the increase in land-use change charges as per the government order dated August 1, 2025. Currently, a fee equivalent to the circle rate is charged for conversion to residential or tourism use, while 1.5 times the circle rate is levied for commercial use. Officials noted that the higher charges have led to difficulties for the general public in obtaining map approvals.
Directing a review, the Housing Secretary asked all development authorities to deliberate the matter in their respective board meetings and submit revised proposals within a week, enabling the government to consider relief measures in the public interest.
Panchayats Lose Map Approval Authority in Notified Areas
In a significant decision, the government clarified that Panchayati Raj institutions will no longer have the authority to approve maps in notified areas. Following the amendments to the Act in 2025, Section 59, which nullifies Section 106 of the Panchayati Raj Act, has come into effect. Consequently, only development authorities will handle map approvals in notified areas.
The Housing Department directed the Panchayati Raj Department to issue an immediate circular informing all district panchayats of the new व्यवस्था to avoid any confusion.
Strict Monitoring of Colonies Through RERA
The meeting also resolved that even outside notified areas, any subdivision of plots or development of colonies will be strictly monitored through RERA, with legal action taken where violations are detected. Development authorities were instructed to strengthen coordination with RERA to curb unauthorised colonies and unplanned development.
Common Legal Draft to Curb Illegal Construction
Expressing concern over the rise in illegal construction, especially in restricted zones, the Housing Secretary directed the Town and Country Planning Department to prepare a common draft framework for all authorities. This uniform legal framework will facilitate faster and more effective action against illegal construction across the state. The draft is to be submitted to the government at the earliest.
Online System to Enhance Transparency
Concluding the meeting, Dr Rajesh Kumar said linking the map approval process with the RERA portal will enhance transparency, reduce corruption, and spare citizens repeated visits to offices. He instructed all departments to improve inter-departmental coordination and ensure timely implementation of decisions.
“These decisions reflect the government’s firm intent to enforce regulations while simultaneously simplifying systems to benefit the public and the real estate sector,” he said, adding that the impact will be visible in the coming days.
“Integrating the map approval process with the RERA portal will make the entire system online, transparent, and time-bound. Based on feedback received, development authorities have been asked to submit proposals on land-use change charges to explore public-friendly options. It has also been clarified that map approval authority in notified areas will rest solely with development authorities to ensure uniformity. Enhanced coordination between RERA and authorities will help effectively curb illegal construction and unregulated colonies. Our objective is a simple, transparent, and accountable system that serves the public interest,” Dr R. Rajesh Kumar said.
