Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Announces Measures to Control Construction in Green Belt Areas
After Himachal Pradesh experienced severe damage from heavy rains during the monsoon season, the State government has taken decisive action to regulate construction activities and protect the environment. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu declared on October 13 that the government would implement stricter construction regulations in the green belt areas of Shimla district and expand the green belt to cover more areas.
Stringent Construction Regulations in Shimla’s Green Belt Areas
In the year 2000, the State government designated specific areas in Shimla with significant green cover, not classified as forests, as green belts. These seventeen green belts covering 414 hectares were identified for controlled construction in core and restricted zones. However, during the previous BJP regime in 2022, approval was given to the Shimla Development Plan (SDP), which allowed for the construction of one-and-a-half-storeyed buildings and parking areas. The Supreme Court later permitted the government to notify the SDP in June 2023.
Addressing Devastation and Strengthening Construction Regulations
In response to the devastation caused by torrential rain, the government made construction regulations even more stringent. During a recent Cabinet meeting, it was decided that construction activities would be prohibited on plots where even a single green or dry tree is present in the Jakhu hills region of Shimla. This area is considered the green lung of the town. Additionally, construction activities would be banned on plots where green or dry trees have been axed or fallen.
Expansion of the Green Belt Areas
The government is actively considering the expansion of green belt areas in Shimla and its suburbs. This move aims to protect and conserve the environment while effectively controlling construction activities. By designating more regions as green belt areas, the government will ensure the preservation of Shimla’s natural beauty and ecological balance.
Submission of Latest SDP Notification to the Supreme Court
Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu stated that the latest SDP notification, which includes the stricter construction regulations, would be submitted to the Supreme Court for approval. Only after receiving permission from the court will the notification be implemented. This approach highlights the government’s commitment to operating within the framework of the law and ensuring that all decisions are in the best interest of the environment and the people of Himachal Pradesh.
In conclusion, the Himachal Pradesh government, led by Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu, is taking significant measures to control haphazard construction activities and protect the environment. By implementing stricter regulations in green belt areas and considering the expansion of these areas, the government aims to preserve the natural beauty of Shimla while mitigating the risks associated with unregulated construction. The submission of the latest SDP notification to the Supreme Court demonstrates the government’s commitment to following the appropriate legal processes and ensuring sustainable development in Himachal Pradesh.
