Jammu Tawi, Jan 15: The Chief Secretary today chaired a high-level meeting to review 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), stressing the need for faster, coordinated and affordable housing development across the Union Territory.
The review covered ongoing, proposed and planned housing projects in both Jammu and Kashmir divisions, with a focus on sustainability, affordability and timely execution through models such as Public-Private Partnerships (PPP) and Self-Financing Schemes (SFS).
Observing that shrinking urban land availability and rising land prices have made housing increasingly unaffordable, the Chief Secretary said the government must proactively intervene through planned housing colonies to keep home ownership within reach of middle- and lower-income groups. He noted that structured, high-density housing by government agencies optimizes land use and reduces per-unit costs, making homes more accessible.
Emphasising a multi-agency approach, he underlined the importance of PPP frameworks, self-financing schemes and vertical development to counter land scarcity while ensuring quality construction, adequate amenities and long-term sustainability.
Commissioner Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Mandeep Kaur highlighted that secure and affordable housing is central to social stability and economic well-being. She said government-led housing colonies help prevent urban sprawl, reduce pressure on infrastructure and ensure equitable access to basic services. She briefed the meeting on past efforts, ongoing projects and future plans to develop housing projects in various districts through PPP and SFS modes.
Managing Director, JK Housing Board, Shahbaz Ahmed Mirza informed that multiple housing colonies catering to different income groups are under development. Land parcels have been identified under the PPP model at Birpur (Samba), Padgampora (Pulwama), Watapora (Bandipora), Chowadi (Jammu), Changran (Kathua) and Chatterhama (Srinagar), with demand and market assessments underway. Housing colonies at Chak Bhalwal (Jammu), Bakoora (Ganderbal) and Bhalwal (Jammu) have been approved under the SFS, with provisions for residential units, commercial spaces and parking.
Vice Chairman, JDA, Rupesh Kumar reported that JDA Heights Phase-II at Lower Roop Nagar, comprising 144 flats, has achieved about 75 per cent physical progress. He also outlined the Transport Nagar, Narwal upgradation project and noted that several legacy issues have been resolved, unlocking valuable land assets.
Vice Chairman, SDA, Mohammad Rafi shared progress on Shehjar Heights Phase-II at Bemina, where 112 flats are under construction, targeted for completion in 2027–28. He also highlighted the Satellite Township at Rakhi Gund Aksha, Bemina, spread over nearly 2,950 kanals, which has received overwhelming public response and is being developed by NBCC in phases.
The meeting also stressed sustainable, net-zero housing aligned with India’s COP-26 commitments. CEO, CiTAG, said the centre is facilitating PPP-based projects by preparing DPRs, finalising EOIs and bundling land parcels to attract developers, with mandatory EWS housing.
The Chief Secretary directed all agencies to ensure time-bound execution, quality construction and affordability, stressing that housing remains a key pillar of urban development and social well-being in J&K.
