Samridhi Bhawan: Dharamsala gets new Smart City command centre

In a major boost to Dharamsala’s civic infrastructure, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday inaugurated Samridhi Bhawan, the newly built office complex of Dharamsala Smart City Limited. Located near Charan Khad, the expansive facility has been developed by the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority at a cost of Rs 24.47 crore. Spread across 2,511 sq metres, the structure aims to bring key municipal and Smart City functions under one roof to improve coordination and public services.

After performing a traditional puja, the CM described Samridhi Bhawan as a “modern hub for administrative efficiency, citizen services and sustainable governance”. He stressed that the facility’s location and integrated layout would strengthen Dharamsala’s ongoing Smart City initiatives and set a new benchmark for urban development.

The building’s design focuses on consolidating essential civic services. The ground floor includes offices for the mayor, deputy mayor and councillors, supported by a 100-seat conference hall and 16 single-window service counters for residents. The first floor accommodates the technical and engineering wings of the Municipal Corporation. The second floor has been dedicated to Smart City staff and includes a flexible 250-seat multipurpose hall. Senior officials, including the commissioner and additional commissioner, have designated offices on the third floor. The fourth floor features transit accommodation, a canteen and guest facilities for visiting officers.

Constructed as an RCC structure inspired by hill architecture, Samridhi Bhawan also offers two basement levels with parking for 80 vehicles. CEO Smart City and Municipal Commissioner Zafar Iqbal highlighted the building’s modern amenities such as HVAC systems, firefighting installations, lifts, a 50 KW solar plant, rainwater harvesting, and landscaped lawns with gazebos that enhance its eco-friendly appeal.