Bhardwaj reviews efforts to revamp HIMUDA Land pooling policy

Urban Development and housing minister Suresh Bhardwaj chaired a meeting of HIMUDA officials regarding improvement of authority’s working and fiscal conditions on Saturday. The minister also instructed HIMUDA to complete assigned deposit works in time. 

The minister said HIMUDA is an important agency in terms of state’s development and efforts are on to revamp it. HIMUDA officials led by vice chairman Praveen Sharma handed over a detailed report containing recommendations to the minister. Detailed deliberations were made on the report. Earlier, Bhardwaj had formed a committee of HIMUDA officials to suggest ways to improve the condition of the authority. 

The minister said HIMUDA is contemplating to adopt a land pooling policy. “HIMUDA has purchased 1731 Bigha of land at various places within the state for Rs. 156cr. Now, instead of buying more land, we will development such land to generate revenue,” said Bhardwaj,” adding, “as per the policy proposed, land of willing private land owners is developed and marketed with HIMUDA’s help without actually acquiring land”. 

Bhardwaj said HIMUDA has purchased land at different locations. “HIMUDA the colonies proposed at different locations will be knows by the nearest famous and renowned stations like Shimla, Solan, Dharamsala to enhance the brand value,” the minister said, adding, “Officials have been directed to adopt professionalism since HIMUDA’s working is different from other government departments.” 

He said HIMUDA has been assigned the deposit works especially in Shimla. A proper accounting system would be development for the deposit works. “HIMUDA has been directed to complete the deposit works in time and not to utilize funds for other works,” the minister added.

Whenever, HIMUDA purchases a land in future, certain formalities will be fulfilled. HIMUDA is approaching Industries, horticulture department to lease out big chunks of land it has at different locations in the state. The minister has directed HIMUDA to provide one stop system to the allottees and other stakeholders. He said a dedicated number; whatsapp number can be launched for the same. 

 Vice chairman Praveen Sharma, CEO HIMUDA Ajay Verma and others officials remained present in this meeting.