LUCKNOW: After more than five years of inception, the much-awaited first draft of State Urban Housing and Habitat Policy (SUHHP) has been prepared by the state housing and urban planning department.

The draft would be soon put before the cabinet for final nod. Officials in Housing Board claim that the policy is likely to be implemented by April end after cabinet approval.

Housing and urban planning department discussed the policy on Monday.

A major thrust has been kept on well-planned city and also affordable housing projects for economically weaker sections.

The shortage of land in the state has motivated the authorities to promote vertical growth for both self-financed as well as LIG or EWS flats.

An official said, "The need of the hour is to provide all facilities under one room in one project. We have suggested construction of all amenities, residential blocks, work places, recreational facilities in one project so that people can have a better standard of living."

The policy also lays emphasis on promoting more private partnerships with builders to create ample housing opportunities for people.