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 norms aimed at enhancing safety and minimizing the risk of future disasters. This decision, made during a recent cabinet meeting in Shimla, will particularly affect buildings near rivers, which are often vulnerable to flooding and other natural calamities.
Under the new policy, all government buildings must be built at least 100 to 150 meters away from rivers. This distance aims to reduce risks associated with flooding and erosion, which have historically threatened lives and properties in the state. To complement these new regulations, a committee will evaluate historical settlements close to rivers and propose safety measures for residents living in these areas.
In addition to the changes regarding riverfront construction, the government has tasked the statewide implementation of structural safety audits. These assessments will help determine how well existing buildings can withstand natural disasters such as earthquakes. Following recommendations from the cabinet panel focused on disaster management, led by Revenue Minister Jagat Singh Negi, establishing mandatory earthquake-resistant construction standards has become a priority.
To improve overall disaster preparedness, the Himachal Pradesh government will integrate vital emergency services like the Home Guards, Civil Defence, Fire Services, and the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) with the Himachal Pradesh State Disaster Management Authority (HPSDMA). This move aims to streamline disaster response efforts and ensure that communities are well-equipped to handle emergencies.
In related developments, the cabinet has approved the establishment of new milk processing plants in Nahan, Nalagarh, Mohal, and Rohru, alongside a milk chilling center in Jalari and a bulk milk cooler in Jhalera. This effort is designed to bolster the dairy production sector within the state.
For farmers, the government will procure various agricultural products at specified rates under the market intervention scheme (MIS) for 2025. This initiative aims to support farmers through price stability and sustainable agricultural practices.
In a separate undertaking, the government has committed to translocating 325 trees for the development of the Durgesh-Aranya Zoological Park in Bankhandi, Dehra, in the Kangra district. This project is part of an ongoing effort to promote ecotourism and educate the public about wildlife conservation.
On public safety matters, the cabinet introduced mandatory dope testing for police recruitment, reinforcing a zero-tolerance stance on drug-related offenses. This initiative reflects a growing concern, even though drug-related cases in Himachal only account for 9% of the total, considerably lower than Punjab’s 20%. As of now, 45 drug-related cases have been filed under the current administration, resulting in properties worth ₹42.22 crore having been attached.
The cabinet also addressed the recent flash floods in Mandi, ordering immediate rescue operations to aid affected citizens. Meanwhile, a significant development regarding environmental protection, the Supreme Court has moved to halt the felling of apple trees in Shimla’s green belts until further legal evaluations are completed.
In an effort to standardize construction practices, new geological and structural design reports have become mandatory for all urban building constructions. This regulation ensures that proposals are reviewed by qualified engineers and geologists, thereby improving safety standards. Additionally, updated setback rules now require buildings to maintain a distance of 5 meters from drains and 7 meters from rivers, which is an increase from the previous standards of 3 and 5 meters.
Furthermore, the High Court has mandated that details concerning unauthorized constructions must be disclosed, as such disclosures impede any relief proposals for those buildings. With over 25,000 unauthorized structures in Himachal, many of which previously benefited from retention policies, these are now classified as illegal under the new regulatory standards.
These comprehensive policies reflect the Himachal Pradesh government’s commitment to disaster preparedness and public safety, ensuring that both new and existing constructions adhere to stringent safety regulations moving forward.
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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
