In a significant administrative reshuffle, IAS officer Dr. Nand Kishore Kalal of the 2018 Uttar Pradesh cadre has assumed charge as the Vice Chairman of the Ghaziabad Development Authority (GDA). He succeeds Atul Vats, who has been appointed the District Magistrate of Hathras.
A medical professional turned civil servant, Dr. Kalal brings both clinical precision and administrative acumen to his new role. Before his transfer to Ghaziabad, he served as the Chief Development Officer (CDO) of Rampur, where he was widely recognized for his methodical approach and transparent style of governance.
“Transparency and Sustainable Growth Will Define My Tenure,” Says Kalal
Shortly after taking office on Tuesday evening, Dr. Kalal outlined his development roadmap for the city.
“Projects such as the Harnandipuram Township, where land acquisition is underway, will receive top priority,” he said. “My focus will be on ensuring transparency in every operation of the GDA while promoting sustainable urban growth for Ghaziabad.”
Officials within the Authority expressed optimism that his leadership would reinforce the institution’s emphasis on urban planning, land management, and citizen accountability — areas seen as critical for the city’s evolving urban ecosystem.
A Doctor Who Chose Public Service Over Private Practice
Born on February 22, 1987, in Bhadasi Kalaal village, Bhilwara district of Rajasthan, Dr. Nand Kishore Kalal’s journey reflects both personal dedication and professional versatility. A graduate in Dentistry (B.D.S.) from the Rajasthan University of Health Sciences, Jaipur, he once envisioned a medical career before being drawn to the broader canvas of public administration.
He secured an impressive 145th rank in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2017, fulfilling his aspiration to contribute to nation-building through governance.
Educated initially in Bhim, later trained in Kota, and subsequently at SMS Hospital, Jaipur, Dr. Kalal attributes his career shift to his early life experiences — particularly his grandmother’s illness, which first inspired him to pursue medicine and later to dedicate himself to public welfare at a systemic level.
Recognized for Integrity and Swift Execution
In every posting so far, Dr. Kalal has earned a reputation for efficiency, fairness, and result-oriented administration. His tenure as CDO Rampur was marked by quick decision-making, clarity in communication, and a strong sense of public accountability.
A senior GDA official commented:
“With the Unified Master Plan 2031 now approved and the revised UP Building Bylaws 2025 allowing for vertical expansion, Ghaziabad stands at a turning point. Dr. Kalal’s approach to governance will determine how effectively the city adapts to these new opportunities.”
Tackling Ghaziabad’s Urban Challenges
Despite a promising start, Dr. Kalal inherits a challenging agenda. Among his key priorities will be:
Land acquisition for major township projects such as Harnandipuram.
Timely delivery of affordable housing under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) before the 2027 state elections.
Decongesting traffic, clearing stalled real estate projects, and enhancing civic infrastructure.
Officials note that the GDA’s financial condition has improved substantially in recent years, with most liabilities settled. This fiscal stability, they say, offers a solid foundation for Dr. Kalal’s development agenda.
Charting the City’s Next Growth Story
As he steps into his new role, Dr. Nand Kishore Kalal is expected to bring a renewed sense of direction to Ghaziabad’s urban transformation. His focus on transparency, sustainable planning, and citizen-centric governance aligns with the state’s broader vision for smart and accountable development.
Under his stewardship, the Ghaziabad Development Authority is poised to play a pivotal role in implementing the Master Plan 2031, ensuring that the city’s rapid growth translates into inclusive, well-managed, and sustainable urban progress.
