Uttarakhand Chief Secretary directs phased slum rehabilitation plan

Uttarakhand Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan has instructed the Urban Development Department to implement a phased action plan for rehabilitating those living in slums across the state.

In the initial phase, the Urban Development Department and Municipal Corporation have been directed to develop a concrete and effective plan for the rehabilitation of slum dwellers in Dehradun. Additionally, Bardhan has asked the Irrigation Department to provide an update on the revival status of the Rispana and Bindal rivers and to expedite work on their restoration plan.

On Thursday, the Chief Secretary reviewed the conditions of slums and the progress of the Rispana and Bindal river revival projects with officials from the Urban Development and Irrigation Departments at the Secretariat.

During the review, Bardhan instructed the Urban Development Department to compile updated information on slums, including the status of identification and a list of residents. Based on this data, he emphasized the need to formulate an effective action plan for slum rehabilitation and resettlement. He urged officials to work with the vision of creating a slum-free Uttarakhand.

He further stressed that improving the living standards of slum dwellers, their rehabilitation, and the revival of affected areas should be treated as a priority. He highlighted that slums should be viewed as a social challenge that must be addressed with sensitivity and compassion.

The meeting was attended by the Principal Secretary of Forest, along with Secretaries from the Urban Development, Irrigation, and Health Departments, as well as other senior officials.