Himachal Pradesh development Corporation plans land-pool policy

The Himachal Pradesh Urban Development Authority (Himuda) is considering implementing a land-pooling policy. It has purchased 1,731 bigha of land in the state for Rs 156 crore and will now develop it to generate revenue rather than purchasing more.

It proposes to develop and market projects on the land of willing private owners without actually acquiring the land. Suresh Bhardwaj, the minister of urban development and housing, said at a meeting on Saturday about improving Himuda's financial situation that the agency will name colonies after tourist destinations such as Shimla, Solan, and Dharamshala to boost their brand value.

Himuda, according to Bhardwaj, should work differently than other government departments and complete its work on time, which will help the agency revamp. Bhardwaj formed a committee of Himuda officials to recommend ways to improve the company's financial situation, and he demanded that its Shimla projects be properly accounted for.

According to the minister, Himuda will follow new procedures in the future when purchasing land. It has approached industries and the horticulture department about leasing large swaths of land, as well as planning a one-stop-shop for allottees and other stakeholders. To record complaints, the agency will have a dedicated WhatsApp number.

Officials from HIMUDA, led by vice-chairman Praveen Sharma, presented a detailed proposal to improve the authority's operations.

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