SHIMLA, 14.05.25-Public Works and Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh today chaired a review meeting to assess the progress of various development schemes being implemented by the Urban Development Department across Himachal Pradesh.

He said that the timely execution of centrally and state-sponsored schemes were being implemented in the 90:10 funding ratio, adding that the efficient and scheduled implementation of these projects would ensure that eligible beneficiaries receive the intended benefits and the set targets are achieved within the stipulated time frame.

The Minister said that a campaign, 'Swach Shehar, Smridh Shehar' was launched on 5^th Feb, 2025 under which, cleanliness of the townships and sustainable development was given impetus along with community participation. Besides, under the Citizen Service Portal nine essential services were provided to the people up to the ward level. Under the Campaign, Sundernagar, Solan, Dharamshala, Jubbal, Jogindernagar, Palampur and Sujanpur Urban Bodies were ranked amongst the first five towns in the state in terms of adopting measures of cleanliness. He said that all nine essential services under the portal would be received and processed online by 15 June, 2025 for which necessary directions have been issued.

Principal Secretary, Urban Development Devesh Kumar directed that the Estate Branch would be strengthened within the next 15 days, with clear designations and defined responsibilities for the monetization of assets and underperforming assets. He said that a dedicated incentive-based scheme for the recovery of pending property tax dues would also be prepared by the department. The Urban Development directorate would conduct consultations with the stake holders to optimize property tax billing and connections and to consider adopting the Ranchi Model wherever applicable for process enhancement.

The Progress made in GIS mapping and property survey was also reviewed in the meeting.

Officers of Urban Development department, Commissioners and Secretaries of various Urban Bodies were present in the meeting.