Himachal Pradesh Mulls Mandatory Inspection of Building Foundations in Urban Areas

The Himachal Pradesh government is considering making it mandatory to inspect the foundations of all buildings in urban, and planning and special areas, a government spokesperson said on Thursday. The move comes in the wake of the recent unprecedented rainfall and the subsequent disaster across the state.

Geological Investigation Reports Mandatory for High-Risk Buildings

Geological investigation reports will be made mandatory alongside the detailed structural design reports for high-risk buildings -- especially residential, commercial, industrial and real estate and institutional projects -- at the time of approval. Effective implementation of these stringent yet much-required provisions will make all urban and rural areas resilient to future disasters, the spokesperson said in a statement.

Master Plan for Effective Drainage

Considering the recent unprecedented rainfall and the subsequent disaster across the state, a master plan will be prepared in a phased manner to ensure effective, efficient and immediate drainage of excess rainwater in all urban centres and rural towns.

Development Plan for Shimla After Four Decades

The town and country planning department has prepared a development plan for Shimla after over four decades, the statement said. The plan aims to revive growth regulators with a vision for a regulated and planned city and suburbs, best capturing the urbanisation trend, it added.

Plan Prepared Considering High Court and NGT Directions

The department has prepared the plan for the Shimla Planning Area, considering the directions of the high court and the National Green Tribunal, the spokesperson said. The development plan has been prepared under the Centres AMRUT Sub Scheme, considering Shimlas potential as a tourist destination, its vibrant environment, natural ecosystem and capacity to accommodate future residents and floating population by 2041, the statement added.

The Himachal Pradesh government's move to make it mandatory to inspect the foundations of all buildings in urban, and planning and special areas, is a welcome step. This will help ensure the safety of buildings and reduce the risk of disasters in the future. The development plan for Shimla after over four decades will also help in the planned growth of the city.