Multi-storeyed structures continue to flourish on riverbeds in Palampur

A number of multi-storeyed structures coming up on the banks of the Bhiral and Mol khuds in Palampur, in gross violation of rules, has become a matter of concern for residents here. The Mol and Bhiral khuds are two major tributaries of the Beas. With such violations taking place, one wonders how the civic body has accorded its approval for the construction of these buildings. In case of heavy floods and cloudbursts in Dhauladhar, these buildings can get washed away.

The entire Dhauladhar ranges of Kangra district fall in the seismic zone-V and are prone to flash floods, natural hazards and cloudbursts. It seems people as well as the administration have not learnt any lessons from the recent flash floods in the state in which 200 persons lost their lives. Despite specific orders of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department imposing a complete ban on constructions on river beds, the activity continues in Palampur.

As per the TCP rules, buildings only up to four storeys, subject to the floor area ratio (FRA) with a height of 18.80 m, are permitted in Palampur. However, a number of buildings above the prescribed height have come up across the area over the past few years.

The state government had set up a Municipal Corporation in Palampur three years ago with specific objectives, including checking the haphazard and unplanned constructions in the area. However, there was no significant impact. Several hotels, malls and shopping complexes have come up on the banks of the Bhiral and Mol khuds. The construction activities continue to prosper as local authorities have turned a blind eye.

The Congress government, led by then CM Virbadhra Singh in 2016, had also directed the TCP, civic bodies and Deputy Commissioners to ensure action against violators.

“We will not allow any jungle raj (lawlessness) on the promise of development by influential persons. The civic bodies should act in a time-bound manner and in accordance with the law to check unplanned constructions in their respective areas,” the late CM had said. Though the state is under the

Congress-led regime again, no comprehensive action against such violators has been taken.

Municipal Commissioner Ashish Sharma said the MC had already initiated action against illegal buildings in Palampur. Notices were also served. The Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEB) and the Irrigation and Public Health (IPH) Department were responsible for the rampant violations as they had given power and water connections to defaulters, in gross violation of laws, he added.

He added that despite writing letters and quoting stringent provisions of Section 83 of the TCP Act, the HPSEBL and the IPH had liberally allowed water and power supply connections to defaulters.

Power, water connections given to defaulters

• It was claimed that the Himachal Pradesh State Electricity Board Limited (HPSEB) and the Irrigation and Public Health (IPH) Department were responsible for the rampant violations as they had given power and water connections to defaulters, in gross violation of the law
• Despite letters being written and quoting stringent provisions of Section 83 of the TCP Act, the HPSEBL and IPH had liberally allowed water and power supply connections to such defaulters