The Himachal Pradesh government is working on a three-tier policy to control unplanned construction near river banks, streams, and areas prone to flash floods and landslides, Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani said on Saturday.
He said strict safety rules and regulations will be introduced to regulate house construction in rural areas. For any building, bridge, or other structure, certification or approval from a safety council will be required, and designs must follow the norms set by the Public Works Department.
So far this monsoon, around 112 people have lost their lives in rain-related incidents such as cloudbursts, flash floods, and landslides. The damage to the state has been estimated at over ₹1,900 crore. Two years ago, 540 people died during the monsoon, and the losses crossed ₹10,000 crore.
Dharmani said climate change caused by carbon emissions is a major factor in such disasters. As Himachal’s carbon emissions are lower than many other states, so it should be compensated for taking steps to mitigate the adverse impact of climate change.
He added that powers under the Town Planning Act have been given to commissioners and executive officers in urban local bodies. In Special Area Development Authority (SADA) regions, deputy commissioners and SDMs will be responsible. In rural areas, panchayat secretaries will have the authority to enforce the rules and regulations.
Currently, the Town Planning Act already covers plots larger than 1,000 square metres.
The minister said Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu aims to make Himachal a “green state” by March 2026. He also warned that earthquakes remain a serious concern, as Himachal lies in seismic zones IV and V. Many private buildings are not earthquake-resistant and need retrofitting for safety.
Dharmani said public cooperation is crucial to enforce safety rules, control unplanned and unsafe construction, and reduce the damage caused by climate change and natural disasters.
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