Uttarakhand approves urban agency restructuring and rural development reforms

The Uttarakhand Cabinet has approved a restructuring of the Urban Sector Development Agency (UUSDA) to streamline infrastructure projects. Under the new framework, the agency will exclusively induct officials on deputation from the Drinking Water Department for water and sewerage projects, and from the Public Works Department for road construction. This reorganization includes the creation of 94 temporary, non-cadre posts to replace the previous practice of drawing engineers from multiple different departments.

The restructuring supports various projects funded by the ADB, EIB, and KfW, covering sewerage, drinking water, and road construction across several urban local bodies, including Kotdwar, Rishikesh, and Rudrapur.

Separately, the SETU Commission is focusing on sustainable development through policy reforms aimed at improving mountain village infrastructure. Dinesh Agarwal, Infrastructure Development Advisor to the commission, stated that enhancing healthcare, education, and quality services in rural areas is essential to checking migration and achieving the state’s long-term development goals. The commission is currently working on several initiatives, including the Uttarakhand Bioenergy Policy 2026 and the establishment of integrated smart village centres.