Shimla, August 26
The state government will issue an Ordinance shortly to pave the way for regularization of over 25,000 unauthorised structures in the state so that the ball can be set rolling for inviting applications from the owners of these building made in violation of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act.

It is reliably learnt that the Ordinance will be passed by the Cabinet at its next meeting. The proposed amendments in the Town and Country Planning Act will be made once the Assembly approves the Bill in this regard. The Bill will have to be passed by the Assembly within six months after the Ordinance is issued.

“Since the Cabinet has already approved the recommendations of the select committee of the Assembly in this regard, the government has decided to issue an Ordinance,” confirmed Sudhir Sharma, Town and Country Planning and Urban Development Minister. He said the amendments will be made in the TCP Act once the Assembly meets whether now or later during the winter session. A major relief proposed is that in case there is provision of two floors for parking, no regularization fee will be charged.

“The regularization fee has been kept quite high for residential and even higher for commercial purposes so that the government and urban local bodies can get some additional revenue,” said an official.