Subhash Mahajan
Dalhousie
Urban Development, Housing, Technical Education, and Vocational Training Minister Rajesh Dharmani today emphasized that the state government has accorded highest priority to the planned development of Himachal Pradesh. Speaking to media representatives in Dalhousie, he announced that a comprehensive Regional Plan is being prepared to ensure systematic construction of buildings and organized development of residential colonies across the state.
He informed that work has already begun in six districts under the initial phase of this ambitious project. To implement the plan, the state government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA). The primary objective is to enforce compliance with construction regulations in both urban and rural areas, thereby safeguarding people during disasters such as earthquakes.
Highlighting Himachal Pradesh’s vulnerability to seismic activity, Dharmani stressed the need for strict adherence to prescribed building norms. He noted that last year, the government decided to extend the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act to rural plots above 1000 square meters and urban plots exceeding 600 square meters.
To ensure compliance, a special flying squad of TCP officials will be constituted to conduct field inspections and take necessary action in case of violations.
The minister further stated that in future, Environmental Clearances (EC) for real estate projects will only be issued after confirming the availability of drinking water and road connectivity. Additionally, a separate committee comprising officials from TCP, Jal Shakti Department, HIMUDA, and Revenue Department has been formed to review ongoing projects. This mechanism aims to prevent errors similar to those witnessed in the Chester Hill case, ensuring such lapses are not repeated in upcoming projects.
The event was attended by former minister Asha Kumari, Bhalei Mata Temple Committee Chairman Kamal Thakur, former Zila Parishad President Dharam Singh Pathania, SDM Anil Bhardwaj, HIMUDA CEO Surender Vishisht, PWD Superintendent Engineer Jeet Singh Thakur, and DSP Mayank Sharma.
