IAS officer Awanish Kumar Sharan building the next chapter of urban Chhattisgarh

From affordable housing to infrastructure-led growth, IAS officer Awanish Kumar Sharan is guiding the Chhattisgarh Housing and Infrastructure Development Board (CGHIDB) into a new phase of expansion, inclusion and planned urban development across the state.

When Sharan took charge in April 2025, he inherited an institution with a strong affordable housing legacy. Nearly 70 percent of its housing stock had catered to Economically Weaker Sections and Lower Income Groups. As a self-financing organisation, however, its mandate had remained largely limited to housing. Recognising the needs of a rapidly urbanising Chhattisgarh, he pushed to expand its scope. A defining milestone was the transition from the Chhattisgarh Housing Board to CGHIDB. The expanded mandate enabled the organisation to move beyond housing into infrastructure projects, redevelopment initiatives, Public-Private Partnerships and Town Planning Schemes, while supporting better utilisation of urban land and planned growth.

One of his first priorities was reforming systems and rebuilding public trust. In line with the Digital India initiative, CGHIDB strengthened technology-driven service delivery through the Allottee Portal, allowing beneficiaries to access property details, maintenance charges and payments on a single platform. It became one of the first housing institutions in the country to offer end-to-end online property booking via cghb.gov.in. Simultaneous registration and possession simplified allotment and reduced costs linked to vacant properties. A Bulk Sale Policy opened opportunities for institutions to purchase housing units in larger numbers.

Marketing initiatives further boosted confidence. The State-Level Housing Fair 2025 (Awas Mela) launched 56 housing projects worth over ₹2,000 crore. Average annual property sales rose from 1,559 units (2019-23) to 2,955 units (2024-26), while sales value climbed from ₹72 crore to ₹613 crore.

Looking ahead, Sharan insists housing and urban planning must move together. Town Planning Schemes, redevelopment of ageing colonies and underutilised land, and five Phase-I redevelopment projects covering nearly 19 acres valued at about ₹250 crore are underway through the PPP mode. The proposed Mainpat project in Surguja combines housing, wellness and tourism. CGHIDB has expanded its footprint to 30 of Chhattisgarh’s 33 districts, with a long-term goal of presence in every Vidhan Sabha constituency. Special attention is being given to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups under the PM JANMAN initiative, including hostels and educational infrastructure in remote areas. Prudent financial management has kept CGHIDB debt-free while demonstrating execution capability through schools, healthcare facilities, hostels and warehouses.

Under Sharan’s leadership, CGHIDB is steadily evolving from a housing agency into a broader development institution shaping the next chapter of urban Chhattisgarh.