The Directorate of Urban Development was established during the year 1985-86 to direct, control and monitor the activities of the Urban Local Bodies in the state of Himachal Pradesh. The Directorate has been assigned the responsibility to look after the legislative, Administrative and Development activities of 54 Municipalities (Local Urban Bodies) i.e. 2 Municipal Corporations, 31 Municipal Councils and 21 Nagar Panchayats which covers 6.89 Lac urban population (2011 census report) which is about 9.2% of the total population of the state.

OBJECTIVES

- To encourage planned and systematic urban and rural growth in a comprehensive manner.
- To stop haphazard constructions.
- To make optimum use of precious urban land.
- To create conducive conditions for encouraging planned constructions.
- To plan for creating essential urban infrastructure.
- To sub serve the basic needs of poor and especially urban slum population.
- To upgrade environment for conducive habitat.
- To preserve the hilly architecture and rich heritage of the State