DEHRADUN: In a significant development, the state administration reviewed the status of the Smart City Green Building and issued strict directions for its accelerated completion. The meeting, held at the Secretariat on Tuesday, was chaired by Chief Secretary Anand Bardhan and attended by senior officials associated with the Smart City programme. The session focused on the progress of key projects and the measures required to ensure timely execution.
The Chief Secretary expressed concern over the delay in the Smart City Green Building, which he described as the flagship initiative of Dehradun Smart City Limited. He directed the District Magistrate Dehradun, who also serves as the CEO Smart City, to ensure that the Smart City Green Building is completed within the next six months. He emphasised that the deadline must be met with strict adherence to the timeline and that continuous monitoring is essential.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Secretary instructed the Central Public Works Department, the executing agency, to conduct construction work in three separate shifts to compensate for the delay. He said that every component of the project must be covered in a detailed schedule and reviewed regularly to avoid any further lapse. The directive highlights the government’s intention to ensure that priority Smart City projects reach completion without procedural delays.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the overall preparedness and operational framework of other Smart City projects in Dehradun. He said that the fleet of 30 electric buses currently operating under Smart City must be placed under the operational control of the Uttarakhand Transport Corporation. He added that the transfer of these buses will streamline management and improve long-term service delivery for passengers.
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Secretary further directed that the Variable Message Displays (LED screens) and environment monitoring sensors installed under the Smart City programme will be transferred to the Municipal Corporation of Dehradun. He said that these assets must be maintained properly and integrated with civic monitoring systems to ensure public utility and effective dissemination of information.
The Chief Secretary also reviewed the functioning of the Integrated Command and Control Centre, a key component of the Smart City infrastructure. He said that the centre will continue to operate under the Information Technology Development Agency. The decision, he added, will help maintain technical continuity and support long-term planning for data-based city management.
Officials present in the meeting were asked to ensure that the Smart City Green Building meets all planning, safety and quality standards. The Chief Secretary reiterated the need for inter-departmental coordination so that all activities remain on schedule. He stressed that Smart City projects represent long-term assets for urban infrastructure and must reflect professionalism, efficiency and accountability.
The meeting also examined the administrative arrangements required for asset management, public service delivery and the integration of Smart City infrastructure with ongoing urban development work in Dehradun. Officials were advised to share real-time updates with the Smart City headquarters and maintain consolidated records of work progress.
Our correspondent reports that the Chief Secretary said that any prolonged delay affects the public perception of government projects and reduces trust in the administrative system. He added that Smart City initiatives are intended to improve the quality of life for citizens, and timely completion is necessary to generate visible benefits in mobility, safety and urban planning.
Our correspondent adds that the Chief Secretary encouraged the departments to follow a structured review mechanism to prevent bottlenecks and ensure immediate resolution of technical or administrative issues. He asked officers to submit a compliance report on the six-month timeframe and document the progress of each activity to maintain transparency.
Senior officials present during the meeting included Principal Secretary R Meenakshi Sundaram, Secretary Nitesh Kumar Jha, Garhwal Commissioner Vinay Shankar Pandey, the District Magistrate and CEO Smart City Savin Bansal, Additional Secretary Iqbal Ahmad, Transport MD Reena Joshi and other senior officers. The participants expressed confidence that the new directions will accelerate the progress of the Smart City Green Building and other associated projects.
Dheeraj reports on governance, public services, jobs, and regional developments across Uttarakhand. He specialises in recruitment news, public-sector updates, and civic issues that impact everyday citizens. His reporting brings accuracy, context, and a grassroots perspective to local journalism.
