New construction rules in Himachal Pradesh: Buildings must maintain safe distance from water bodies
Diary Times News Service
Shimla, 09 August:Â In a major move to enhance safety and reduce the impact of natural disasters, the Himachal Pradesh government has introduced new building rules that make it mandatory to maintain greater distance between buildings and water bodies. As per the new rules, all new constructions in the state will have to maintain a distance of at least 5 metres from drains and 7 metres from ravines and rivers. These guidelines, published in the official gazette, have come into force with immediate effect.
Earlier the construction norms required only 3 metres distance from drains and 5 metres from ravines and rivers. However, last year’s devastating monsoon season caused extensive damage to over three thousand buildings located near rivers and nullahs, forcing the state government to revise these rules. The recent monsoon season has once again resulted in huge loss of life and property, especially in Chamba, Kullu and Shimla districts, which has further underlined the need for these strict guidelines.
The decision to implement these new rules has been taken after a public consultation process, during which the government sought objections and suggestions from the citizens of Himachal Pradesh. The overwhelming consensus highlighted the need for strict construction norms to prevent disasters in future.
These rules will also apply to areas where water flow is seasonal or where drains usually remain dry. To ensure proper enforcement, officials will refer to revenue records to identify and classify these areas.
The revised building norms are part of a broader initiative by the Himachal Pradesh government to enhance disaster preparedness and mitigate risks posed by natural disasters. By increasing the required distance between buildings and water bodies, the government aims to protect both life and property from the frequent landslides and floods that plague the region.
These measures are necessary steps towards responsible urban planning in a state that is highly vulnerable to environmental challenges. However, some concerns have been raised about the potential impact on the availability of land for construction, especially in densely populated areas.
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