The picture of the Housing and Environment Department has changed in 2 years: OP Chaudhary
Housing Board becomes debt-free, Nava Raipur becomes the country's first debt-free greenfield city
Raipur . Under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Sai, the Chhattisgarh Housing and Environment Department has been successful in taking several major decisions in the areas of affordable housing, urban development, industrial investment, and environmental protection in the last two years. Housing and Environment Minister OP Choudhary stated this during a press conference held at the Chhattisgarh Samvad Auditorium.
Minister Choudhary stated that the government's priority is to provide affordable housing, better urban amenities, and employment opportunities to the common people. The department's efforts have improved civic life and laid a strong foundation for the state's future.
The Housing Board has become debt-free.
Minister Choudhary stated that two years ago, the Chhattisgarh Housing Board had a debt of ₹735 crore and more than 3,200 residential and commercial properties remained unsold. The state government provided funds and made the Board completely debt-free.
A One Time Settlement Scheme (OTS-2) was implemented for unsold properties, offering discounts of up to 30 percent. In nine months, 1,251 properties were sold, generating revenue of ₹190 crore. This amount will be used in new projects.
To prevent such situations in the future, a demand-driven construction policy has been implemented. According to the new policy, construction work will commence only after 60% registrations are completed, or 30% in the first three months.
Online services have increased convenience.
The online portal has been strengthened to facilitate allotments. Processes have become simpler and more timely. An AI-based chatbot provides 24-hour information, reducing visits to offices.
Development work in Raipur and Nava Raipur:
The Raipur Development Authority is constructing the PM Unity Mall at a cost of ₹193 crore. The tender process for the construction of 168 flats in Tikrapara has begun. The Authority's online services have also been launched in January.
The Minister informed that Nava Raipur Atal Nagar has become the country's first debt-free greenfield city. The Authority has repaid its entire debt of ₹1,345 crore, freeing up land and properties worth ₹5,030 crore.
Investment will increase employment.
A textile park is being developed on 132 acres in Naya Raipur, with an investment of approximately ₹2,000 crore and the potential for over 12,000 jobs. An investment of ₹1,800 crore is proposed in the semiconductor and IT sectors, which will generate approximately 10,000 new jobs.
The city is being developed as a tech hub and conference capital. Efforts are also being made to establish it as a wedding destination. Work is underway on the ₹400 crore Inland Marina project, the ₹120 crore Art of Living Center, and the ₹230 crore Science City.
Preparations for a Medical and Education Hub:
Medi City is being developed to transform Naya Raipur into a medical hub. A 300-bed hospital is being constructed here by the Bombay Hospital Trust. The process of allocating land to NIFT and NIELIT under Edu City is underway.
Affordable Housing and Industrial Relief:
The Department of Urban and Rural Investment has implemented the Affordable Public Housing Rules, 2025. Affordable housing can now be built on agricultural land. The requirement for community open space for colonizers has been reduced from 10 to 5 percent.
The minimum width of access roads in industrial areas has been reduced from 7.5 to 9 meters, and ground coverage has been increased from 60 to 70 percent.
Environmental monitoring has become stricter.
The Chhattisgarh Environment Protection Board has initiated real-time online monitoring of industrial emissions. Immediate alerts and automated notices are being issued if emissions exceed the permissible limit. The Common Hazardous Waste Treatment Facility will be fully operational by April 2025, with a capacity of 60,000 metric tons per year.
Chhattisgarh Housing Board Chairman Anurag Singh Deo, Raipur Development Authority Chairman Nand Kumar Sahu, MLA Mrs. Raimuni Bhagat, Secretary Ankit Anand, and other officials were present at the press conference.
