Uttarakhand News – April 17, 2025:
In a significant move aimed at bringing consistency and oversight to the naming of public spaces, the Uttarakhand government has issued a new directive mandating prior approval from the state administration before any local municipal body can rename roads, neighborhoods, intersections, or parks.
The Urban Development Department took this step following several recent incidents where local bodies renamed public places without seeking the required permission from the state government. These actions had raised concerns over procedural lapses and potential political or cultural controversies.
In an official communication, Additional Secretary Gaurav Kumar informed all Municipal Commissioners and Executive Officers across the state about the updated protocol. The letter emphasizes that no changes to names of public locations should be made without formal approval from the higher authorities.
“This step has been taken to ensure that the process of renaming is transparent, justified, and in line with administrative norms,” said a source from the department. “It will help maintain uniformity and prevent arbitrary decisions by local bodies.”
The new guideline is expected to streamline the decision-making process and avoid confusion among the public. It also aims to preserve the historical and cultural relevance of existing names, which may otherwise be altered without thorough consultation.
The directive has been welcomed by many who believe it will bring accountability and a check on politically motivated renaming. However, some local officials have expressed concerns that it may slow down local development initiatives that include renaming for better identification or regional pride.
As of now, all municipal bodies in Uttarakhand have been instructed to strictly follow the new rule and seek approval before initiating any such changes. The move marks a decisive step towards better governance and regulatory control over the urban landscape in the state.
