Chief Secretary Chairs Review Meeting on Urban Challenge Fund
Jammu and Kashmir Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo on Tuesday chaired a meeting of the Housing and Urban Development Department (H&UDD) to assess progress on shortlisting urban infrastructure projects proposed under the Union Government's Urban Challenge Fund (UCF). The meeting focused on strategies to enable Jammu and Kashmir to effectively leverage the funding mechanism aimed at accelerating sustainable urban development and regional economic growth.
Attended by Commissioner Secretary of H&UDD, Municipal Commissioners, and other senior officers, the meeting deliberated on ensuring high-quality and financially viable proposals. Dulloo directed the concerned departments to align all shortlisted projects with UCF guidelines, supported by robust feasibility studies, sustainable financing models, and clear implementation strategies.
Emphasis on Long-Term Economic Opportunities
The Chief Secretary emphasized that projects should address immediate infrastructure needs while generating long-term economic opportunities, strengthening urban resilience, improving citizens' quality of life, and promoting environmentally sustainable growth. He stressed close coordination with the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) to ensure timely appraisal and approval of proposals. All stakeholders were asked to expedite detailed project reports and complete required formalities to fully leverage the scheme's opportunities.
Commissioner Secretary of H&UDD, Mandeep Kaur, informed the meeting that the Urban Challenge Fund represents a paradigm shift in urban financing by encouraging cities and Union Territories to undertake bankable, revenue-generating infrastructure projects through a combination of Central assistance, market-based financing, and contributions from states and UTs.
Four Major Projects Shortlisted with Rs 1,990 Crore Outlay
Following initial discussions with MoHUA, Jammu and Kashmir has shortlisted four major urban development projects with an estimated cost of Rs 1,990.37 crore. Of this, proposed Central assistance is Rs 495.86 crore, the UT share is Rs 486.12 crore, and nearly Rs 1,008.38 crore is proposed to be mobilized through market-based financing.
Municipal Commissioners presented details of the shortlisted projects from their respective jurisdictions. The Walled City and Nigeen Lakefront Revitalisation initiative aims to conserve heritage assets while improving tourism infrastructure and the urban environment. The TARANG (Tawi Area Regeneration and Green Growth) project envisages comprehensive regeneration of the Tawi riverfront and adjoining urban areas through sustainable and economically vibrant development.
Lidder Riverfront and Katra Pilgrimage Projects
Another proposal relates to the Lidder Riverfront Development project, which seeks to transform the riverfront into a catalyst for planned urban growth and position Anantnag as a counter-magnet city through integrated public infrastructure and improved civic amenities. The fourth proposal, KRIPA (Katra Revitalisation through Integrated Pilgrimage Amenities), focuses on strengthening civic infrastructure, improving mobility, and creating integrated pilgrimage facilities to enhance the experience of devotees visiting Katra.
Concluding the meeting, the Chief Secretary stated that successful implementation of these projects would significantly improve urban infrastructure and public services, boost tourism, attract private investment, and make the cities of Jammu and Kashmir more vibrant, resilient, and economically competitive.
