Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh on Monday said a comprehensive strategy is being adopted to expedite the implementation of development projects under the Public Works and Urban Development departments.
He informed that a high-level review meeting was recently held with senior officers, engineers, and executive officers from the Urban Development Department, PWD, and NABARD.
Singh stated that Himachal Pradesh is leading the nation in uploading Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) under Phase-IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The state aims to construct 1,500 km of roads, provided there is full cooperation from local communities and panchayats. However, in the absence of timely land availability and local support, the target may be curtailed to 400–500 km.
Highlighting key challenges such as delays in forest clearances and the non-registration of land in the department's name, the Minister said a joint meeting is being planned under the chairmanship of the Chief Minister, involving the Panchayati Raj and Rural Development Departments. Land identification and acquisition processes would be accelerated with the involvement of local representatives and the district administration.
To ensure accountability, PWD divisions have been categorized into four zones: red, yellow, green, and non-performing. Strict action—including charge sheets and blacklisting—will be taken against underperforming officers and contractors, he added.
Singh revealed that projects worth ₹1,200 crore have been proposed under the Urban Challenge Fund through the Urban Development Department. While 25 percent of the funding would come from the Centre and State governments, the rest will be mobilized through banks and market mechanisms. Priority areas include sanitation, drainage, parking facilities, and strengthening of urban infrastructure.
The Minister also said he would soon meet Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan to press for the restoration of special category state status for Himachal Pradesh.
Calling the next three months before the onset of the monsoon a “golden window,” Singh appealed to elected representatives, administrative officers, citizens, and contractors to support the government in accelerating development efforts, particularly in the remote and challenging terrains of Kullu, Sirmaur, Chamba, Lahaul-Spiti, and Kinnaur districts.
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