Uttarakhand is preparing 98 GIS-based master plans for planned urban growth. The Housing Department is finalising them with help from leading expert institutions. Notably, the plans will soon move from paper to the ground. Moreover, all plans target the years 2041 and 2045 for long-term development.
Uttarakhand is preparing 98 GIS-based master plans for planned urban growth, targeting the years 2041 and 2045.
Break-Up of the 98 GIS-Based Master Plans
The master plans come under different schemes. In short, the break-up is:
- AMRUT-1: 7 master plans
- AMRUT-2: 23 master plans
- Ease of Doing Business: Plans for 65 urban bodies in 7 clusters
- Chief Minister’s announcement: 3 master plans
Cities Covered Under AMRUT
Under AMRUT-1, the plans cover Dehradun, Haridwar, Roorkee, Rudrapur, Kashipur, Nainital and Haldwani. Similarly, AMRUT-2 covers many smaller towns across the state. For example, these include Kotdwar, Srinagar, Pauri, Rishikesh, Doiwala and Vikasnagar. Also, the list includes Jaspur, Khatima, Kichha, Sitarganj, Ramnagar and Tanakpur. In addition, Gopeshwar, Almora, Pithoragarh, Bageshwar, Uttarkashi and Tehri are part of it.
Uttarakhand’s First-of-Its-Kind Step
Uttarakhand is set to become India’s first state with GIS master plans even for second and third-grade urban bodies. Consequently, smaller towns will also get scientific planning. This will help in better land use and control of illegal construction. Furthermore, it will improve traffic, drainage and disaster management.
Why GIS-Based Master Plans Matter
GIS stands for Geographic Information System. Essentially, it maps cities and their surroundings using digital layers of data. So, planners can study land, roads, rivers and slopes together. As a result, they can plan for future needs in a technical and complete way.
In hill areas, this matters even more. For instance, planners must respect steep slopes and fragile ground. Therefore, the plans focus on development that suits local geography. They also aim to boost tourism, create local jobs and protect the environment.
Expert Institutions Helping the State
The state is taking support from top national institutions. These include the School of Planning and Architecture (SPA) in New Delhi and Bhopal. Likewise, NIT Calicut, NIT Surat and MNIT Jaipur are also helping.
What Leaders Said
Housing Secretary Dr R Rajesh Kumar said the plans focus on planned growth for future needs. Meanwhile, Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami said the plans will tackle traffic jams and illegal construction. In turn, people will get better roads and other facilities.
Why GIS-Based Master Plans Matter for UKPSC
Notably, urbanisation and planning are key topics for UKPSC. So, remember the 98 plans, the AMRUT split and the 2041–2045 targets. Also, note Uttarakhand’s “first state” claim for smaller urban bodies. For official scheme details, also visit the AMRUT portal. Next, for a related story, read about the Tehri Lake global destination master plan. You can also download our free Uttarakhand Current Affairs magazine.
So, are you preparing for the UKPSC Upper PCS 2026 prelims? Then join our UKPSC 2026 Prelims Test Series for regular practice.