"Learning from disasters, Himachal govt to frame strict building norms for rural areas": HP Minister Rajesh Dharmani

Shimla (Himachal Pradesh) [India], September 20 (ANI): Taking lessons from the widespread destruction caused by heavy rains and landslides in the past three years, the Himachal Pradesh government is set to extend strict building construction norms to rural areas as well.

The move, aimed at minimising the impact of climate change-induced disasters, will be taken up in the next Cabinet meeting, State Town and Country Planning and Technical Education Minister Rajesh Dharmani said on Saturday.

Speaking to ANI in Shimla, Dharmani said the state could no longer afford to ignore construction practices in disaster-prone zones.

“The government is planning to frame building construction norms under the Town and Country Planning Department for rural areas too. It is difficult to implement the same guidelines everywhere at once, but given the climate change challenges and rising frequency of disasters in the hill state, it is essential that we bring such rules for vulnerable areas,” he said.

The minister added that the Town and Country Planning Department, in coordination with the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department, has already worked out draft guidelines.

“These will be presented in detail in the next Cabinet meeting. After deliberations, further suggestions will also be incorporated, and the information will be shared with the public through their representatives,” Dharmani noted.

Explaining the rationale, Dharmani stressed the need for structurally safe homes and proper site selection.

“Our houses must be structurally safe. Construction should not take place in flood-prone areas or near rivers and streams. Settlements should be avoided in zones where debris from earlier floods has accumulated. Likewise, construction should be prohibited in sliding zones. We will also try to protect existing green areas and create new ones where construction can be banned,” he said.

The minister further said the emphasis would be on regulated development to ensure both safety and planned growth. “The aim is to minimise damage from disasters, ensure the safety of lives and property, and move towards balanced and sustainable development,” he said.

Dharmani pointed out that enforcement will involve both local and specialised agencies.

“The powers of the Town and Country Planning Directorate have been delegated to local officers in certain urban and special development areas so that people do not have to run to TCP offices. Panchayati Raj institutions, special area development authorities, and representatives from urban local bodies will also be involved to ensure that development is properly regulated and people benefit,” he said.

The minister underlined that climate change is intensifying the frequency of disasters in hill states like Himachal, and only planned, regulated construction can minimise risks in the future.

Dharmani added that the aim was to minimise disaster losses while ensuring regulated and balanced development. Local officers, Panchayati Raj institutions, and special area development authorities will also be involved in enforcement.

On another policy front, Dharmani confirmed and welcomed the Education Department’s directive banning mobile phones in schools. The order, issued on September 18, prohibits both students and teachers from using mobile phones during school hours.

“This is a progressive decision. It will help ensure that students are not distracted in classrooms and teachers remain fully engaged in teaching. The focus must be on meaningful interaction between teachers and students, and a phone-free environment is necessary for that,” he said.

The minister also reacted to the Prime Minister’s recent announcement of ₹1,500 crore in disaster relief for Himachal. While expressing gratitude, he stressed the need for timely release of funds.

“The Prime Minister has announced ₹1,500 crore for Himachal, and we welcome this. But we must also remember that of the ₹2,000 crore announced in 2023, only ₹400 crore has been received so far. Unless the money is released quickly, relief, restoration, and rehabilitation work will suffer. Our people need immediate support, not delayed installments,” Dharmani said.

He said restoration of roads, power, and water supply schemes is being carried out on a war footing, though full restoration of damaged infrastructure will take considerable time. (ANI)

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