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 is taking significant steps to improve safety regulations regarding construction near rivers and enhance disaster preparedness measures. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu announced these changes during a cabinet meeting held in Shimla, emphasizing the importance of preventing losses during extreme weather events and disasters.
As part of the new policy, all government buildings will now be required to be constructed at least 100 to 150 meters away from rivers. This measure aims to provide a buffer zone to prevent flooding and protect both lives and property in these vulnerable areas. Furthermore, a committee will be formed to analyze historical settlements along rivers and suggest better safety measures for the communities living near these waterways.
In an effort to assess the overall safety of structures across the state, the Himachal Pradesh government has also approved structural safety audits for buildings statewide. These audits will evaluate the capability of buildings to withstand potential disasters, ensuring that the existing infrastructure is safe for residents.
The cabinet panel on disaster management, led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, has recommended the implementation of mandatory earthquake-resistant standards for all new constructions. This initiative is aimed at bolstering the state’s resilience against natural disasters, particularly earthquakes that pose risks in hilly terrains like Himachal Pradesh.
Preparing for emergencies, the government intends to 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 will streamline response efforts and improve overall efficiency in managing disaster situations.
In addition to focusing on disaster safety, the cabinet has made provisions for the establishment of new milk processing plants in Nahan, Nalagarh, Mohal, and Rohru. A new milk chilling center will be set up in Jalari along with a bulk milk cooler in Jhalera to support local dairy farmers and enhance the milk processing industry in the region.
To support agricultural initiatives, the cabinet also approved the procurement of various agricultural products at designated rates under the Market Intervention Scheme (MIS) for 2025. This step aims to provide financial relief and ensure fair prices for farmers in the state.
In further environmental and developmental efforts, the government plans to translocate 325 trees for developing the Durgesh-Aranya Zoological Park in Bankhandi, Dehra, within the Kangra district. This move will help in the preservation of wildlife while promoting recreational opportunities for the public.
Addressing issues surrounding drug abuse, the state has introduced mandatory dope testing for police recruitment to establish a zero-tolerance policy towards illegal drug use. Data indicates that drug-related cases in Himachal account for only 9% of total cases, which is significantly less than neighboring Punjab’s 20%. A total of 45 drug-related cases have been registered under the current government, resulting in properties worth ₹42.22 crore being attached.
Additionally, the cabinet has expressed concern over recent flash floods in Mandi and has ordered immediate rescue operations to aid affected communities. The cabinet also welcomed a Supreme Court decision that halts the felling of apple trees in Shimla’s green belts, pending ongoing legal considerations, reflecting the government’s commitment to environmental protection.
New regulations now mandate that geological and structural design reports be provided for buildings in urban areas to improve construction safety standards. The Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department will require submissions from qualified engineers and geologists for all building proposals. Further changes include updated setback rules, which now require buildings to maintain a minimum distance of 5 meters from drains and 7 meters from rivers, revised from previous standards of 3 and 5 meters.
The High Court’s recent mandate requiring detailed information on unauthorized constructions will greatly impact nearly 25,000 unauthorized structures within the state. Previously benefiting from leniency, these structures are now classified as illegal as the government enforces stricter regulatory standards.
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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
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