On January 1, as part of the Global Housing Technology Challenge-India (GHTC-India) initiative, Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi laid the foundation for six LightHouse Projects (LHPs) in six states via video conference. The move will lead to a new phase in the construction technology in India. 

The Prime Minister also presented the annual awards for excellence in six categories for the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban (PMAY-U) to acknowledge the excellent contribution and success of States, Union Territories (UTs), Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) & beneficiaries.

On that day, a total of 88 beneficiaries from around the country were congratulated. The occasion was also attended by Shri Hardeep Singh Puri, Minister of State, MoHUA, and Chief Ministers of the six States where LHPs are being introduced, namely Tripura, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu. Sh Durga Shanker Mishra, Secretary, Mohua, Senior Central and State Government Officers also participated via a virtual platform. 

Implementation of Best Modern Construction Technologies 

LHPs would pave the way for a new ecosystem by putting people and technology together, where internationally tested technologies will be implemented for cost-effective, environmentally sustainable and faster construction. There are several advantages to these LHPs, the main ones being longevity, climate-resilient, affordability, protection and speed. This technological transition will help achieve the 'Housing for All' vision of the Prime Minister by 2022. By using cutting-edge and alternative global technologies, the construction needs of a rapidly urbanising India can be accommodated.

The LHPs with associated infrastructure facilities have launched at

• Indore (Madhya Pradesh)
• Rajkot (Gujarat)
• Chennai (Tamil Nadu)
• Ranchi (Jharkhand)
• Agartala (Tripura)
• Lucknow (Uttar Pradesh) 

The States and respective places have been chosen through a national challenge, and these projects are ready for construction. Almost 1000 homes at each location are to be developed under LHPs in all six States using six different technologies from a basket of 54 such technologies shortlisted under GHTC-India, 2019.

LHPs will appear to be a big push towards fulfilling the vision of 'Housing for All' of the PM by 2022. As a policy, in line with the government's Atma Nirbhar Bharat scheme, new global cutting-edge technologies in construction will be implemented and adapted.

The PMAY (U) initiative plays a key role in achieving the "Housing For All" vision of the Prime Minister by 2022 when India celebrates its 75th year of independence. A total of 1.09 Cr houses have been sanctioned so far against the estimated demand for 1.12 Cr. In more than 70 Lakh houses, construction is in different stages, and almost 40 Lakh houses have been completed and delivered to the recipients. PMAY(U) contributes to the life transformation of beneficiaries with access to dignified living, wellness, education, security and ensuring empowerment of women.

By: Shailaja K