Himachal Calling: Stricter urban growth regulations face public opposition
The Himachal Pradesh government is implementing stringent measures to regulate urban growth by extending the ambit of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, 1977. Despite these efforts, the fate of over 25,000 unauthorised buildings remains uncertain. These buildings, constructed in violation of planning norms, are awaiting regularisation, but court orders prevent the state from offering a one-time retention policy to provide relief to the violators.
The TCP department has recently added 19 new planning areas, aiming to bring more regions under regulated urban development. However, these steps have sparked opposition from residents, especially in towns like Palampur. The TCP norms require landowners to adhere to strict building regulations, which many see as restrictive, particularly in the suburbs of major towns. Resistance to these measures stems from a reluctance to follow strict construction guidelines and obtain approved building plans, which adds to the friction between the government and the public.
The government’s push to expand TCP norms is driven by the need to curb unregulated urban sprawl, especially in areas experiencing ribbon development along major highways. The unchecked growth has transformed once scenic hill stations like Manali, Kasauli, Shimla, Dharamshala-Mcleodganj, and Dalhousie into concrete jungles. This has not only marred the natural beauty of these towns but also led to infrastructural strain.
Various courts, including the Supreme Court, High Court, and the National Green Tribunal (NGT), have previously criticised the state government for failing to prevent haphazard and unauthorised constructions. However, no relief is in sight for the unauthorised structures already in place, as the government remains undecided on regularising them.
One of the major challenges is the lack of carrying capacity studies for the hill stations, which has led to a surge in unauthorised hotels and tourism units. Many of these areas are grappling with inadequate infrastructure, including parking, sewerage, and water supply, leading to inconvenience for both locals and tourists. Shimla, for instance, expanded based on the outdated 1979 Interim Development Plan. It was only last year that the Supreme Court approved the Shimla Development Plan, ensuring TCP norms are enforced in future construction.
In response to growing urbanisation, the government has recently allowed the construction of high-rise buildings up to 20 storeys on plots that are not on steep slopes. However, vertical expansion is permitted only under strict supervision to ensure the structural integrity and stability of these buildings.
The move to bring more areas under the TCP Act is aimed at preventing further unregulated development. Despite the public opposition, it is seen as essential to preserve the fragile hill towns from further degradation. The government’s focus remains on curbing haphazard growth while leaving the issue of regularising unauthorised structures unresolved.
