About US

As per Census 2011, Uttarakhand’s urban population stands at 30.5 lakh, with an urbanization rate of 30.2%, close to the national average of 31.2%. The Urban growth rate, averaging 4.0% annually, is significantly higher than the rural growth rate of 1.2%, Major urban centers like Dehradun (5.75 lakh), Haridwar (2.31 lakh), and industrial hubs in the south drive urban concentration. Since the inception, the state has witnessed rapid growth, further intensified by the state’s numerous tourist destinations, which exert substantial pressure on urban infrastructure, with tourist inflow tripling the state’s population. Despite its hilly terrain. Urban development has evolved and adapted to address these challenges effectively.

The Urban Development Department (UDD) of Uttarakhand is the administrative body overseeing local self-governments and urban development within the state. It collaborates with various agencies to ensure the integrated development of urban areas, aiming to make cities vibrant, clean, and infrastructurally robust.

Key Functions of UDD:

• Urban Planning & Development Control: Works alongside the Town & Country Planning department to manage urban planning and regulate development.
• Infrastructure Services: Coordinates with agencies like Uttarakhand Pey Jal Nigam (UPJN) and Jal Sansthan (UJS) to ensure water supply, sewerage, and drainage services.
• Environmental Management: Collaborates with the Uttarakhand Environment Protection and Pollution Control Board to address environmental concerns in urban areas.

Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Uttarakhand:

The state comprises 107 ULBs, categorized as:

• Nagar Nigams (Municipal Corporations): 11
• Nagar Palika Parishads (Municipal Councils): 45
• Nagar Panchayats (Town Councils): 51

These bodies are pivotal in implementing urban policies and ensuring effective governance at the local level. The urban sector in Uttarakhand continues to operate under local government legislation inherited from its parent state, Uttar Pradesh.

Despite the challeneges such as rugged geography , fragmented institutional responsibilities, and inherited legislation from Uttar Pradesh, the Urban Development Department (UDD) oversees local self-governments, while agencies like Pey Jal Nigam manage water and sewerage services.