Himachal CM Sukhu Inaugurates ‘Samridhi Bhawan’: A New Nerve Centre for Dharamsala’s Smart City Governance

Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated Samridhi Bhawan, the newly constructed office complex for Dharamshala Smart City Limited (DSCL), marking a major enhancement to the city’s civic and administrative infrastructure.

Built by the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority (HIMUDA) near Charan Khad, the state-of-the-art facility has been completed at a cost of ₹24.47 crore and covers a built-up area of 2,511 square metres.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister described Samridhi Bhawan as a “modern hub for administrative efficiency, citizen services and sustainable governance.” He noted that the building’s strategic location and integrated design would streamline Smart City operations and set a benchmark for future urban development projects across Himachal Pradesh.

The ceremony was attended by senior government officials, elected representatives, DSCL personnel and local dignitaries.

Designed to bring key civic and administrative functions under one roof, Samridhi Bhawan will serve as the operational centre of city governance. The ground floor features offices for the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and Councillors, along with a 100-seat conference hall and 16 single-window service counters for citizens.

The first floor houses the technical and engineering wings of the Dharamsala Municipal Corporation, while the second floor is dedicated to Smart City operations and includes a 250-seat multipurpose hall. Offices for senior officials, including the Commissioner and Additional Commissioner, are located on the third floor. The fourth floor includes transit accommodation, a canteen and guest facilities for visiting officers.

Constructed as a reinforced cement concrete (RCC) structure inspired by hill architecture, the building also includes two basement levels offering parking space for 80 vehicles. Smart City CEO and Municipal Commissioner Zafar Iqbal highlighted the modern amenities installed in the complex, such as HVAC systems, firefighting provisions, elevators, a 50 kW solar power plant, rainwater harvesting, a 30,000-litre water storage system and landscaped green areas with gazebos to support an eco-friendly environment.