NEWS

COMs approves Final Draft of Shimla Development Plan

Council of Ministers of Himachal Pradesh today approved the final draft of the Shimla Development Plan which specified new provisions of a number of floors, provisions of habitable attic and garage.

Briefing Media on the COMs meeting held here on Monday Industry Minister Mr. Harash Vardhan Chauhan said that the Ministry of Urban Development and presentation on the SDP in the cabinet which was approved by the CoMs by putting its stamp in the final draft.

Mr. Chauhan said that during a presentation by the UD, it was specified how a number of floors, provisions of the attic, and garage was being made which may vary in different areas. 

It is worthwhile to mention that UD and Town and country planning heard 116 objections and suggestions on the Shimla Draft plan which was issued by the former BJP government in March 2022 just Assembly Election but it was challenged in the Himachal Pradesh High Court and National Green Tribunal which rejected the draft plan by stating it illegal.

The state government challenged the High Court and NGT order in the Supreme Court however Supreme Court of India gave a green signal to the State government to publish Draft Development Plan for Shimla town after considering objections.

Supreme Court of India gave one month’s time for the state of Himachal to publish Draft Development Plan for Shimla town after considering objections. and the same shall not be given effect for one month till the matter is finally heard on the next date of hearing.

Hearing the matter on May 3, 2023, a division bench of Justice B.R. Gavai, Justice Vikram Nath, and Justice Sanjay Karol said that the government may publish the SDP.

Now SC also hears the matter on 12th July the Apex court has given one month time to the state to consider the objections and submit a final published draft of DP. 

Supreme Court would thereafter examine the DP after publication and also left it open for all aggrieved to challenge and proceed before the High Court under Article 226 for redressal of their grievance and challenged the final draft plan. 

Now the CoMs approved the draft of the new Shimla Development Plan would be published by the government and no permission would be given under it for new construction till the next one month from Gazetted notification.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *