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As India’s urban and semi-urban landscapes evolve, so do the residential needs of those who have served the nation with honor. The Defence Officials Welfare Organisation (DOWO) has long been at the forefront of initiatives that support the welfare, dignity, and security of defence personnel—both serving and retired. One of the most critical areas in this mission is housing.
Today, DOWO is undertaking a strategic series of housing-related surveys to understand, assess, and ultimately develop viable, community-driven, and region-specific housing projects in Noida, Gurugram, Vrindavan, Uttarakhand (plains), and the Uttarakhand hills. These locations have emerged as highly desirable destinations due to a combination of infrastructure, lifestyle, affordability, and connection to culture and nature.
Why These Regions?
Let’s explore why these five locations have been prioritized by DOWO:
1. Noida & Gurugram
Two pillars of the National Capital Region (NCR), these cities offer excellent connectivity, modern infrastructure, and proximity to central government and defence installations. Both are fast-growing with an influx of professionals, including defence families seeking quality housing with urban amenities.
2. Vrindavan
With its spiritual significance, Vrindavan appeals particularly to veterans and retirees who wish to spend their post-service years in a serene, spiritually enriching environment. There’s a rising trend among senior defence officials to settle here.
3. Uttarakhand Plains
Cities like Dehradun, Haridwar, and Rudrapur are emerging hotspots for peaceful, accessible, and cost-effective housing. These locations offer the best of both worlds—urban facilities within reach and proximity to natural landscapes.
4. Uttarakhand Hills
The hill stations of Uttarakhand, such as Nainital, Almora, Ranikhet, and Mussoorie, provide breathtaking environments, ideal for retirement and wellness. However, they pose unique challenges in terms of terrain, sustainability, and infrastructure planning.
DOWO's Survey-Driven Approach: Purpose & Scope
To ensure future defence housing projects align with the needs and expectations of the community, DOWO is conducting a series of targeted surveys. Each survey plays a specific role in planning and policy formation.
1. Defence Housing Survey Locations
This survey focuses on identifying optimal land parcels across the five regions. Factors being analyzed include:
2. Housing Preference Survey for Armed Forces
To serve personnel effectively, we must first understand their needs. This survey collects preferences on:
The data will guide architects and planners in tailoring homes that reflect actual user needs.
3. Viability Survey for Defence Housing Schemes
No housing project can succeed without a clear understanding of economic and technical viability. DOWO is assessing:
This ensures that projects are not only desirable but also sustainable.
4. Defence Community Housing Viability Survey
This survey focuses on the broader ecosystem: Is the community viable in the long term? It covers:
Special emphasis is placed on areas like Vrindavan and Uttarakhand, where communities must blend seamlessly with local culture and ecology.
5. Residential Demand Survey for Armed Forces
Demand forecasting is crucial. This ongoing survey is gauging how many officers—serving or retired—are actively looking to settle in these regions. It will help prioritize locations and phase-wise development.
Key insights sought:
6. Real Estate Survey for Veterans
Veterans often have specific needs—quiet neighborhoods, easy healthcare access, spiritual or nature proximity, and community living. DOWO is collecting data on:
7. Open Demand Survey for Retired Defence Officials
This open-ended survey invites retired defence officers to directly share their inputs, feedback, and desires regarding future housing options. The idea is to make projects by the community, for the community.
Regional Outlook: What We’re Learning So Far
📍 Noida
Early responses show a strong preference for multi-storey gated societies with modern facilities—close to expressways, metro lines, and hospitals. A significant portion prefers 2–3 BHK units with power backup, security, and clubhouses.
📍 Gurugram
A majority of serving officers are eyeing compact luxury apartments with access to schools, corporate hubs, and Delhi. Sustainability features like solar panels and rainwater harvesting are a growing demand.
📍 Vrindavan
Veterans in their 60s and 70s have shown keen interest in low-rise homes or villas near temples and ashrams. Preferences include spiritual spaces, walking trails, and peaceful environments over commercial hustle.
📍 Uttarakhand Plains
Dehradun is a top pick—thanks to educational hubs, army presence, and healthcare infrastructure. Both independent homes and society-style housing are in demand. Survey data suggests affordability and connectivity are top priorities here.
📍 Uttarakhand Hills
Interest is strong but selective. Officers are looking at small, self-sustaining cottages or eco-homes in places like Almora or Mukteshwar. However, the feasibility surveys are flagging concerns related to:
DOWO is working on modular and prefabricated housing models that can overcome these barriers.
What’s Next?
With thousands of data points being collected, DOWO will soon publish a comprehensive Defence Housing Demand & Viability Report 2025, focusing on:
Interested officers and veterans can still participate in the survey via our official portal. Your voice is crucial in shaping tomorrow’s defence housing.
Final Thoughts: Homes of Honor
Defence personnel dedicate their lives to the nation. It’s only fitting that their post-service lives are spent in homes that reflect dignity, peace, and comfort. Whether in the hustle of Gurugram, the spirituality of Vrindavan, or the tranquility of Uttarakhand’s hills, DOWO is committed to creating housing that is safe, affordable, and built with care.
By combining your input with intelligent planning, together we are laying the foundation for a future where every officer has not just a house—but a home.
Contact us:
Phone:+91-9649639639
Email: info@dowo.org.in
Address: 15, Bhai Vir Singh Marg, 1st Floor, Sector 2, Gole Market, Connaught Place, New Delhi, Delhi 110001
Website: www.dowo.org.in
