Step 1: URDPFI Guidelines 2015 Overview.
\nThe Urban and Regional Development Plans Formulation and Implementation (URDPFI) Guidelines (2015), issued by the Government of India, establish planning standards for towns and cities. These guidelines address population density, land use allocation, infrastructure requirements, and environmental factors. \n\n \n
Step 2: Planning Considerations for Hill Towns.
\nHill towns present distinct challenges, including: \n- Restricted construction due to steep terrain.
\n- Increased infrastructure costs because of difficult topography.
\n- Limited natural resource capacity (e.g., water availability, slope stability). \n\nConsequently, the planning guidelines advocate for a reduced density in hill regions compared to plains or metropolitan areas. \n\n \n
Step 3: Suggested Density Figures.
\nAs per URDPFI (2015), the recommended gross density for small hill towns is 45–75 persons per hectare. This range promotes balanced development while respecting ecological sensitivity. \n\n \n\[\n\boxed{45-75 \ \text{persons per hectare}}\n\] \n\n\n% Quicktip
| Group I | Group II |
| (P) Landfill site | (1) Development on previously developed site |
| (Q) Greenfield development | (2) Land to dispose solid waste |
| (R) Green Belt | (3) Development on previously undeveloped land |
| (S) Policy to protect | (4) livestock |
| (5) A buffer to control urban development |