State guest house to come up in Ratuda at Rs 48.84 cr, 48 new houses planned in Dehradun
PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
The State government is set to undertake two major construction projects aimed at improving government infrastructure while focusing on modern facilities, environmental protection and long-term maintenance. A State guest house will be constructed at Ratuda in Rudraprayag district at an estimated cost of Rs 48.84 crore. The detailed project estimate was reviewed during a meeting chaired by Housing and State Estate secretary R Rajesh Kumar. He directed officials to equip the guest house with modern facilities, including a conference hall with video-conferencing facilities, large flat-screen TVs and other technical equipment.
The officials were also directed to ensure that the construction site complies with environmental norms. The Public Works Department (PWD) has been asked to maintain a minimum distance of 200 metres from the river as per National Green Tribunal norms and attach the required certificate to the project records. A large and attractive logo has also been proposed at the main entrance and central building. Meanwhile, 48 new Category-III residential units are proposed at the Old Officers Colony in the Race Course area of Dehradun at an estimated cost of Rs 28.07 crore. The houses will be constructed on land cleared after the removal of old and dilapidated buildings.
Kumar directed that low-maintenance construction materials and finishes be used to reduce future repair costs. The project will also follow green building standards and include a mandatory rainwater harvesting system. Separate designs will be prepared for displaying the names of the residential colonies prominently. Kumar added that projects in the state were being taken forward with emphasis on quality, transparency and timely completion. He added that local architectural styles would be given priority in hill areas while keeping their geographical and cultural characteristics in mind.
