Shimla MC pushes for regularisation policy under the Shimla Development Plan- Big relief to property owners
In a significant move, the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) has passed a resolution urging the state government to draft a retention policy for land and house owners in the city under Shimla Development Plan. This policy aims to provide one-time exemptions under the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act to regularise constructions in green, core, and merged areas that have remained unapproved. The resolution, proposed by Mayor Satendra Chauhan, received support from councilor Narender Singh during a recent meeting.
Relief for Property Owners and Infrastructure Boost
The proposed retention policy is expected to address longstanding legal and regulatory challenges faced by residents. Shimla MC Commissioner Bhupinder Atri indicated that the drafting process might take time but assured that the initiative would benefit property owners who have struggled with stringent regulations.
Mayor Chauhan also advocated for an innovative solution to address the city’s acute parking shortage. He suggested that building owners who had earlier regularised their constructions should be allowed to utilise their basements for parking purposes, optimising existing infrastructure and alleviating congestion.
Background: Legal Battles and Policy Implications
The resolution follows a major legal victory for the Himachal Pradesh government and Shimla MC. The Supreme Court recently overturned restrictive orders issued by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Himachal Pradesh High Court that had prohibited multistory constructions in Shimla. The apex court’s decision has not only cleared the way for a retention policy but also allowed the state to regulate and regularise constructions in line with Shimla’s development plans.
Before presenting the resolution, it was thoroughly reviewed by the additional advocate general of the Himachal Pradesh High Court to ensure compliance with legal frameworks. This underscores the MC’s intent to strike a balance between urban development, environmental concerns, and regulatory mandates.
A Step Towards Sustainable Urban Growth
The proposed retention policy is poised to bring much-needed relief to Shimla residents, allowing them to secure their properties while complying with the law. By addressing regulatory hurdles, the policy aims to foster inclusive development aligned with the city’s planning goals.
The suggestion to repurpose basements for parking could also prove transformative in tackling Shimla’s infrastructure challenges, particularly the scarcity of parking spaces amidst rapid urbanisation.
Once finalised and implemented, the retention policy could serve as a landmark decision in reshaping Shimla’s urban landscape, paving the way for a sustainable, well-regulated future for the city and its residents.
