News Summary
The Himachal Pradesh government has introduced new safety regulations for construction activities near rivers to enhance disaster preparedness. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced that all government buildings must be located 100 to 150 meters away from rivers to mitigate flood risks. Additionally, the state will conduct structural safety audits, implement earthquake-resistant standards for new constructions, and integrate emergency services with disaster management authorities. The cabinet also approved agricultural support initiatives and addressed drug abuse concerns by introducing mandatory dope testing for police recruitment.
Himachal Pradesh Government Implements Stricter Building Norms and Disaster Preparedness Measures
The Himachal Pradesh government has announced significant changes to construction regulations, aimed at enhancing safety and reducing risks associated with natural disasters. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu outlined these changes during recent cabinet meetings in Shimla, emphasizing the urgent need for improved building practices, particularly in flood-prone areas.
The new policy mandates that all government buildings must be constructed at a minimum distance of 100 to 150 meters away from rivers. This decision is part of a broader initiative to protect life and property from potential hazards related to flooding and erosion. Additionally, a committee will be tasked with examining historical settlements located near rivers and suggesting necessary measures for residents living in close proximity to these waterways.
To bolster structural integrity across the state, the Himachal Pradesh government has also approved comprehensive structural safety audits for buildings. These audits aim to evaluate whether existing structures can withstand various disasters, ensuring public safety in this hilly region known for its unpredictable weather patterns.
Moreover, as part of enhancing disaster preparedness, the government will integrate essential emergency services including Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire Services, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) with the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA). This integration aims to streamline response efforts during emergencies and improve coordination among different agencies.
The cabinet’s discussions also touched on mandatory earthquake-resistant standards for construction, following recommendations from a panel on disaster management led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi. These standards are crucial for a state that experiences seismic activity, and they reflect the government’s commitment to safeguarding public infrastructure.
In addition to the focus on safety, the cabinet approved the establishment of new milk processing facilities in Nahan, Nalagarh, Mohal, and Rohru. This initiative also includes a milk chilling center in Jalari and a bulk milk cooler in Jhalera, aimed at enhancing local dairy production and processing capabilities.
The government has also committed to the procurement of agricultural products at designated rates under the market intervention scheme (MIS) for 2025, aiming to support local farmers and stabilize market prices.
Further developments include plans to translocate 325 trees to facilitate the construction of the Durgesh-Aranya Zoological Park in Bankhandi, Dehra, located in the Kangra district. This initiative underlines the government’s focus on environmental management alongside developmental projects.
The cabinet also introduced mandatory dope testing for police recruitment, enhancing a zero-tolerance approach towards drug abuse within law enforcement. Reports indicate that drug-related cases in Himachal comprise only 9% of the total, significantly lower than neighboring Punjab, which reports a rate of 20%. Currently, 45 drug-related cases have been filed under the new government, resulting in properties worth ₹42.22 crore being attached.
In light of recent flash floods in Mandi, the cabinet has ordered immediate rescue operations, reaffirming its commitment to public safety during adverse weather events. The cabinet also welcomed a Supreme Court ruling that has paused the felling of apple trees in Shimla’s green belts while legal considerations are ongoing.
Enhancements to safety regulations for construction in urban areas are among the latest measures. The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department will now require detailed geological and structural design reports from qualified engineers and geologists for all building proposals. Recent amendments to setback rules dictate that buildings must now maintain a distance of 5 meters from drains and 7 meters from rivers, a monitoring effort updated from previous standards of 3 and 5 meters.
The High Court has further mandated accountability concerning unauthorized constructions, thereby blocking any relief proposals for such structures. More than 25,000 unauthorized buildings in the state, which previously benefitted from retention policies, are now classified as illegal under these stringent regulatory standards.
These comprehensive changes reflect the Himachal Pradesh government’s prioritization of public safety, disaster preparedness, and sustainable development as it navigates the challenges posed by its unique geographical landscape.
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Additional Resources
- The News Himachal
- Wikipedia: Building Code
- The News Himachal
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Earthquake Engineering
- The Tribune India
- Google Search: Disaster Management in Himachal
- The News Himachal
- Google News: Himachal Building Norms
