JAMMU, January 15, 2026 : In a major push to address the growing housing needs of Jammu and Kashmir, the Chief Secretary today chaired a high-level review meeting to assess the progress, challenges and future roadmap of housing colonies being developed by the J&K Housing Board (JKHB), Jammu Development Authority (JDA) and Srinagar Development Authority (SDA).
The review covered ongoing, proposed and planned housing projects across both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, with a strong focus on affordability, sustainability and timely execution through innovative models such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Self-Financing Schemes (SFS).
The meeting was attended by the Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department (H&UDD), Vice-Chairmen of JDA and SDA, Managing Director J&K Housing Board, CEO CiTAG and other senior officers.
The Chief Secretary observed that rapid urbanisation, shrinking availability of land and escalating land prices have made housing increasingly unaffordable for large sections of society. He stressed the need for proactive government intervention through planned housing colonies to ensure home ownership remains accessible, particularly for middle- and lower-income groups.
He highlighted that high-density, well-planned government housing projects optimise land use, reduce per-unit costs and help curb unplanned urban sprawl. Emphasising a coordinated multi-agency approach, he called for leveraging PPP frameworks, self-financing schemes and vertical development to counter land scarcity while ensuring quality construction and long-term sustainability.
Commissioner Secretary H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur, underlined that affordable and secure housing is central to social stability and economic well-being. She said government-led housing colonies play a critical role in equitable access to basic services and easing pressure on urban infrastructure. She briefed the meeting on past achievements, ongoing projects and future plans to roll out housing projects in multiple districts under PPP and self-financing models.
MD, J&K Housing Board, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza, informed that several land parcels have been identified for PPP-based housing projects at Birpur (Samba), Padgampora (Pulwama), Watapora (Bandipora), Chowadi (Jammu), Changran (Kathua) and Chatterhama (Srinagar). Market and demand assessments are being finalised to ensure people-centric and commercially viable projects. He added that housing colonies at Chak Bhalwal (Jammu), Bakoora (Ganderbal) and Bhalwal (Jammu) have been approved under the Self-Financing Scheme, with integrated amenities such as parking, commercial spaces and community facilities.
VC, JDA, Rupesh Kumar, reported 75% physical progress on JDA Heights Phase-II at Lower Roop Nagar, comprising 144 residential flats. He also highlighted the Transport Nagar, Narwal redevelopment project and resolution of long-pending legacy issues, unlocking valuable land assets.
VC, SDA, Mohammad Rafi, shared progress on Shehjar Heights Phase-II at Bemina, where 112 flats are under construction with completion targeted for 2027–28. He also highlighted the flagship Satellite Township at Rakhi Gund Aksha, Bemina, spread over nearly 2,950 kanals, which has received overwhelming public response. NBCC has been engaged as the project executing agency, with phased development planned over five years.
A key highlight of the review was the government’s focus on sustainable, net-zero housing colonies aligned with India’s COP-26 commitments. Adoption of PPP models aims to create climate-resilient, energy-efficient townships with transit-oriented development norms.
CEO, CiTAG, informed that the centre is facilitating PPP-based housing projects by preparing DPRs, conducting site visits and finalising EOIs to attract national developers, ensuring financial viability and inclusion of EWS housing.
Concluding the meeting, the Chief Secretary stressed time-bound execution, quality construction and affordability, directing all agencies to work in close coordination to translate housing projects into tangible benefits for the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
