Shimla, March 28 The Himachal Pradesh government signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Centre of Excellence in Urban Planning and Design, School of Planning and Architecture (SPA), New Delhi, with the aim of planning urbanization in the state.
The MoU was signed by Town and Country Planning Director Hemis Negi on behalf of the state government and SPA Director Virendra Kumar Paul. Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani was also present in the meeting.
According to the MoU, regional-level action plans will be prepared for the districts of Bilaspur, Hamirpur, and Una.
The minister said that this partnership will help initiate systematic urbanization in these districts. He added that, considering the rapid pace of development in the state, the emergence of new cities will become a necessity in the future.
"With the collaboration of SPA, New Delhi, regional plans will be developed using technical expertise, a research-based approach, and keeping in mind the geographical conditions of the state. These plans will be prepared with a focus on environmental conservation."
"This initiative by the government will promote rural-urban integration and help reduce the increasing pressure on cities," Dharmani said.