Housing and Urban Development Minister Sudhir Sharma revealed that Government of India (GoI) has given clearance for construction of Housing Colonies and Community Centre at Krishna Nagar in Shimla under Rajiv Awas Yojna for which a provision of Rs 34.10 crore has been made.

Sudhir Sharma said that as many as 300 houses and a Community Centre with modern facilities like dispensary, old-age care home, library, community hall and solar lighting and heating system etc. would set up. He thanked the Union Housing and Poverty Alleviation Minister, Ajay Maken for approving this project, whom he met recently in New Delhi in this regard.

Sudhir Sharma said that four sites had been identified in Krishna Nagar for implementation of this project. In all 300 houses would be constructed out of which 224 would be for needy persons whereas 76 houses would be on rental basis.

The Minister said that Government would also implement Rajiv Awas Yojna in Nagar Parishads and Nagar Panchayats for providing better housing and other facilities to the slum dwellers.

He said that cases had been reported wherein builders had started construction work at various places in the State without getting Essentiality Certificate and permission from Town and Country Planning adding that State Government was serious on this issue and directions had been given to the department to enquire into such cases and strict action to be initiated against defaulters.