Dehradun: In a bid to accelerate the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Urban), the Uttarakhand Housing Department has directed all executing agencies to complete pending external infrastructure works, including electricity, drinking water supply, and road connectivity, within the next 30 to 45 days.

The directive was issued during a high-level review meeting chaired by Housing Secretary and Housing Development Council Commissioner Dr. R. Rajesh Kumar on Wednesday. The meeting reviewed the progress of external development works under the Affordable Housing in Partnership (AHP) component of the flagship housing scheme, in line with the directions of Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami to ensure timely completion of housing projects across the state.

Officials assessed the status of essential civic infrastructure in various PMAY projects and instructed all implementing agencies to adhere strictly to the prescribed timelines. Project-wise progress reports were presented and pending works were reviewed to identify bottlenecks and expedite execution.

The meeting was attended by Joint Chief Administrator Dinesh Pratap Singh, Deputy Secretary (Housing) Rajnish Jain, Executive Engineer Vinod Kumar Chauhan, Assistant Engineer Akanksha Chauhan, Housing Expert Rohit Ranjan (PMU), Housing Section official Ranjeet Rawat, along with representatives from various departments and executing agencies.

Focus on Livable Housing, Not Just Construction

Emphasising that the objective of PMAY extends beyond constructing houses, officials stressed the importance of providing beneficiaries with fully functional residential units equipped with essential civic amenities. Authorities noted that delays in external infrastructure often prevent beneficiaries from availing the full benefits of the scheme, despite completion of the housing units.

Executing agencies were instructed to prioritise the completion of electricity connections, water supply networks and road access through coordinated efforts to ensure that beneficiaries receive homes with all basic facilities.

Detailed Action Plan to Be Prepared

The Housing Secretary directed all concerned agencies to prepare comprehensive action plans for completing pending works within the stipulated 30–45-day period. The plans will specify activity-wise timelines, responsible officers and expected completion dates to facilitate close monitoring and accountability.

He also instructed departments to promptly resolve implementation challenges related to land availability, technical approvals, resource mobilisation and other administrative issues through better inter-departmental coordination and regular communication among stakeholders.

Regular Monitoring to Ensure Timely Completion

Dr. Rajesh Kumar said the Housing Department would undertake continuous monitoring of project progress through periodic review meetings and progress reports to ensure timely execution. He underlined that the success of the housing scheme would be measured not merely by the completion of buildings but by the timely availability of essential services to beneficiaries.

"The Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana is a significant welfare initiative of both the Central and State Governments. Our objective is to provide beneficiaries not only with houses but also with a better living environment equipped with all basic amenities. All executing agencies have been directed to complete the remaining electricity, water supply and road works within 30 to 45 days. Detailed action plans and regular monitoring will ensure that the pending works are completed on time and beneficiaries receive the intended benefits without delay," Dr. Rajesh Kumar said.

Disclaimer: This news is written on the basis of information received from different authentic sources.