Mohanlal Announces Ministry Re‑organisation to Enhance Urban Planning Efficiency

During a meeting of the Parliamentary Advisory Committee on Urban Planning, Union Minister of Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal revealed a major re‑structuring of his ministry. Effective immediately, the ministry will be divided into a Capital Development Department and an Urban Development Department.

The new departments are designed to boost institutional capability, streamline administrative processes and deliver more effective urban governance. Their combined mandate is to respond swiftly to the changing and diverse needs of Indian cities.

Lal stressed that every initiative under the re‑organised ministry aims at developing cities that are livable, resilient to natural hazards and centred on citizen welfare. He highlighted that rapid urbanisation makes strong urban planning, efficient administration, water security and continual capacity building indispensable.

According to the minister, the government’s comprehensive approach merges planning, infrastructure development, better governance and quality public services into a single, coherent framework. The expected outcome is improved standards of living and cities that are environmentally sustainable, economically robust and technologically advanced.

The minister concluded by underscoring the role of collaborative policy making and constructive dialogue in shaping the future of India’s urban landscape.