Jammu, Jan 15: In a significant push towards addressing the growing housing requirements of the people of J&K, the Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a meeting to assess the progress and future roadmap of housing colonies being developed by the Jammu & Kashmir Housing Board (JKHB), Jammu Development Authority (JDA), and Srinagar Development Authority (SDA).The review focused on ongoing, proposed, and planned housing projects, with particular emphasis on sustainable development, affordability, and timely execution through innovative models such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Self-Financing Schemes (SFS) in both Kashmir and Jammu division, said an official press release.
The meeting besides Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD was attended by Vice-Chairmen, JDA/SAD; MD, J&K Housing Board; CEO, CiTAG and other concerned officers.The Chief Secretary observed that the rapid shrinkage of available urban land coupled with steadily rising land prices has made housing increasingly unaffordable for large sections of the population. He emphasized that the government must proactively intervene through planned housing colonies to ensure that home ownership remains within reach of the common citizen, particularly middle- and lower-income groups.
Highlighting the strategic importance of public housing projects, he noted that structured, high-density housing developed by government agencies not only optimizes land use but also significantly reduces per-unit costs, thereby making housing more accessible to a wider cross-section of society. The Chief Secretary stressed that affordable housing cannot be achieved through isolated efforts and requires a coordinated, multi-agency approach supported by innovative development models. He underlined that leveraging PPP frameworks, self-financing schemes, and vertical development is essential to counter land scarcity while ensuring quality construction, adequate amenities, and long-term sustainability.Speaking in this meeting the Commissioner Secretary, H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur remarked that the Department is alive to the social dimension that secure and affordable housing is central to social stability and economic well-being. She stated that government-led housing colonies play a vital role in preventing urban sprawl, reducing pressure on infrastructure, and ensuring equitable access to basic services for all segments of society. The MD, Housing Board, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza apprised the meeting that the Housing Board is actively developing multiple housing colonies across Jammu and Kashmir to cater to diverse income groups. VC Srinagar Development Authority, Mohammad Rafi highlighted progress on Shehjar Heights Phase-II at Bemina, where 112 additional flats are under construction, with project completion targeted for 2027–28.
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