The Uttar Pradesh government plans to create a housing development authority for Shahjahanpur, a city with over 3.5 lakh residents. This initiative aims to manage the city's growth amid rising industrial activity and population. The newly developed master plan outlines Shahjahanpur's growth trajectory up to 2031. The authority will oversee construction projects and enforce building regulations, improving urban services and infrastructure. This could attract more investment and diversify housing options. Additionally, unused government buildings will be repurposed, and building by-laws revised to boost the hospitality sector, fostering Shahjahanpur's tourism industry centred on historical and cultural attractions.
The Uttar Pradesh government has announced plans to establish a housing development authority for Shahjahanpur city, with an estimated population of over 3.5 lakh. This move aims to guide the city's future growth and ensure a more organised development process.
The decision comes in response to Shahjahanpur's recent industrial expansion and population rise. The city has witnessed a steady increase in industrial activity and output in recent years. To accommodate this growth, the housing department recently developed a master plan for Shahjahanpur, outlining its growth trajectory up to 2031. The new development authority will be tasked with overseeing construction and development projects while adhering to standardised building regulations. Currently, 29 other cities in Uttar Pradesh, including Lucknow, Kanpur, and Agra, benefit from similar development authorities.
Shahjahanpur residents can expect improved urban services and infrastructure development under the new authority. Standardised building regulations can ensure better quality construction and planned development of new residential areas. For potential investors, a more organised development process could provide greater transparency and predictability when considering real estate projects in the city. This, in turn, could lead to increased investment and potentially a wider range of housing options for residents, catering to different budgets and needs.
The announcement also included a directive to identify and utilise unused government buildings, potentially numbering in the dozens, after repairs or completion. This efficient use of existing resources could free up space for future development projects within the city limits, potentially reducing the need for extensive land acquisition on the outskirts, which can displace residents and disrupt existing communities.
The government has also signalled an intention to revise building by-laws to encourage the hospitality and tourism sector. This could involve allowing hotels with 6 to 20 rooms within residential areas, provided they meet specific criteria such as adequate land (over 500 square metres), sufficient parking spaces, and stringent fire safety measures. This move could create more lodging options for visitors and contribute to Shahjahanpur's tourism industry, which currently revolves around historical sites and cultural attractions.
The establishment of a housing development authority marks a significant step towards planned growth and development in Shahjahanpur. Residents and potential investors alike can expect a more organised development process, improved infrastructure, and potentially increased investment opportunities in the city's real estate sector. The city's future holds promise for improved living standards, a wider range of housing options, and a more vibrant tourism industry.