Rajesh Dharmani, Minister for Town and Country Planning, Himachal Pradesh: Our government is preparing a development plan for Shimla, Kullu, and Kangra districts with a focus on disaster resilience, particularly earthquakes.

Dr SS Randhawa – Principal Scientific Officer, HIMCOSTE, Shimla: To address climate change, we must adopt green energy, ban deforestation, promote electric vehicles, and enforce rainwater harvesting and storage practices.

Guman Singh – Activist, Himalayan Niti Abhiyan: The Central and state governments should involve local communities in planning and regulatory committees to better address the challenges of urbanisation.

Dr Nilamber Chhetri – Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi: Himachal Pradesh should adopt traditional practices while promoting sustainable modes of transport like walking, cycling, and ropeways to reduce vehicular emissions.

Rajesh Dharmani, Minister for Town and Country Planning, Housing, Technical Education, Vocational and Industrial Training, Himachal Pradesh

Q: Over the years, disasters have hit Himachal Pradesh severely. The state’s capital Shimla witnessed destruction in the last two years. Unplanned urbanization, construction of hotels, homestays, and residential units near and within streams and nullahs, are often blamed for the destruction. What steps is the government taking to mitigate the impact of disasters?

Ans: There are many disasters that are beyond human and government control. Districts like Shimla, Kullu, and Kangra are the most disaster-prone. Our government is preparing a development plan for these districts with a focus on disaster resilience, particularly earthquakes. The plan will define no-construction zones, green zones, developmental zones, and industrial zones.

To minimize the impact of disasters, laws have been enacted. For instance, no structure is allowed within 5 to 7 meters of a nullah or khad and 25 meters from a river. In recent cloudbursts and heavy rains in 2023 and 2024, many structures built near water bodies were washed away. Guidelines need to be strictly followed to prevent such losses.

Another issue is the heavy load of muck that flows into small streams and rivers during cloudbursts, causing further damage. We also need disaster-resilient structures, especially for earthquakes. Unfortunately, most private structures are not earthquake-resistant due to poor construction practices. Even in municipal areas, structural planning is often neglected, which is a serious concern.

Q: What steps are being taken to implement these rules apart from imposing penalties? How is the government encouraging people to follow them?

Many in society understand the importance of quality structures, but geo-technical investigations of construction sites are often ignored. To address this, we have empaneled geo-technical consultants to prepare profiles for areas, at least for government structures. Soil testing has been made mandatory for heavy structures, particularly in government sectors. However, private construction still lags behind in following these practices.

Awareness is crucial. While voluntary compliance is challenging, the government uses certain measures to ensure adherence. For example, no NOC for electricity or water connections is granted unless the structure is approved by the regulatory authority.

Q: Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu often talks about environment-friendly development. Tell us about the Shimla Development Plan-2043 and the new townships coming up. What measures are being adopted to make these townships disaster-resilient and address water crises? Is any model of other states or countries being followed?

Our Chief Minister aims to make Shimla a green city. Several initiatives are underway, such as promoting electric vehicles and expanding HRTC’s fleet of electric buses. We’ve signed an agreement with the Indian Oil Corporation for a hydrogen plant in Nalagarh and are developing solar parks to boost renewable energy.

The state has launched a Rs 1,500-crore Intercity Transportation Project, including a ropeway system to ease congestion and improve urban mobility in Shimla. For development planning, we’ve partnered with the School of Architecture and Planning, Delhi, and hired Tata Group for consultancy on the Jathia Devi township, which aims to be an eco-city.

Rainwater harvesting is a key focus for new townships. I visited Japan last year, a country highly prone to earthquakes, and observed how its architecture minimizes damage. Their modern structures incorporate traditional pagoda-style designs, which are highly earthquake-resilient. We are adopting such practices despite increased costs.

Q: Himachal Pradesh faces a shortage of skilled labour, relying on workers from other states. These workers are often criticized for being unfamiliar with mountainous landscapes. How do you address this issue amid plans for urbanization?

It is incorrect to say we lack skilled labor. However, our trained youth often avoid jobs related to their skills, preferring government employment. We are encouraging them to take up professions in which they are trained and bringing them under social security schemes like health insurance, pensions, and accidental compensation, similar to government employees. Himachal Pradesh Kaushal Vikas Nigam plays a significant role in this regard.

Dr SS Randhawa – Principal Scientific Officer, Himachal Pradesh Council for Science, Technology, and Environment (HIMCOSTE), Shimla

Q: Why are British-era buildings in Shimla and other parts of the state considered disaster-resilient? How do they differ from modern structures?

British-era buildings and traditional Kath-Kuni structures were designed to withstand earthquakes. Modern RCC constructions lack this resilience unless stability guidelines are followed. Himachal Pradesh lies in seismic zones IV and V, with districts like Mandi, Kangra, and Chamba being most vulnerable. To address this, the state is surveying 20 buildings per district, including schools and hospitals, to ensure they meet safety standards.

Q: How can the impact of climate change be mitigated, and water crises tackled?

Ans: Climate change is a global and regional phenomenon, with rising temperatures affecting snow cover and glaciers. In Himachal Pradesh, snowfall patterns have shifted to later winter months, reducing water availability. To address this, we must adopt green energy, ban deforestation, promote electric vehicles, and enforce rainwater harvesting and storage practices.

Guman Singh – Activist, Himalayan Niti Abhiyan

Q: How can people assist the government? Any suggestions?

Ans: Himachal Pradesh’s fragility demands careful planning. Urban estates in the Himalayan region have grown by 40% between 2011 and 2021, often without proper planning. Construction near water bodies is prohibited, but enforcement is lax. The Central and state governments should involve local communities in planning and regulatory committees to better address these challenges.

Dr Nilamber Chhetri – Assistant Professor, IIT Mandi

Q: What are the socio-economic impacts of climate change, and how does water scarcity affect people?

Ans: Climate change exacerbates infrastructure and water challenges in mountainous regions like Himachal Pradesh. Urbanization often disrupts the balance between riverbeds and mountains, creating environmental issues. Bureaucratic delays in land acquisition and disaster relief further complicate matters. Developing a social accountability index could help address these issues.

Q: Can traditional practices help tackle environmental challenges?

Ans: Traditional knowledge systems must guide development. For instance, Japan’s earthquake-resilient pagoda-style architecture is rooted in its traditions. Himachal Pradesh should adopt similar practices while promoting sustainable modes of transport like walking, cycling, and ropeways to reduce vehicular emissions.

Q: Are environmental challenges in Himachal Pradesh similar to those in the eastern Himalayas?

Ans: Some challenges overlap, such as cloudbursts and glacial lake outbursts. However, Himachal Pradesh has done better in infrastructure development compared to the eastern Himalayas. Lessons from both regions can guide future planning.