Palampur’s urban chaos: Illegal constructions thrive despite laws
Despite stringent laws meant to curb violations of building bylaws, illegal construction continues unabated in Palampur. The town’s haphazard and unplanned development reflects the lax attitude of both the Municipal Corporation and the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department.
Unregulated construction poses a serious challenge to firefighting, health and disaster management agencies, especially during natural calamities. Over the past five years, Palampur has witnessed rampant illegal construction, with several roads narrowed due to unauthorised buildings.
Though multiple proposals were made to decongest the town by developing satellite areas, they largely remained confined to official paperwork. Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu recently directed the Deputy Commissioner and civic authorities to take lawful action against building law violators, warning that failure to act would invite action against the civic bodies themselves.
“The civic bodies must act in a time-bound manner and in accordance with the law to check unplanned construction in their respective areas,” the CM had said. Yet, comprehensive action against violators in Palampur remains elusive and illegal construction continues unchecked.
The previous BJP government under then CM Jai Ram Thakur had also issued similar directions to the TCP Department, municipal councils and district administrations. In its attempt to promote planned urbanisation, the BJP government had created three new municipal corporations in Palampur, Solan and Mandi.
Speaking to The Tribune, a senior official of the Palampur MC admitted to building violations in the town. The MC has served notices to defaulters and initiated legal action. The official added that illegal construction in Palampur is already under the scrutiny of the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which took suo motu cognisance of a news report published by The Tribune last year. The MC has filed the necessary replies before the court.
Meanwhile, three years have passed since the formation of the Palampur MC, but the town still awaits a comprehensive master plan. During a visit to Palampur a year ago, CM Sukhu had announced his government’s commitment to developing master plans for major tourist destinations, including Palampur.
“Planned development is essential for maintaining a clean and green environment,” Sukhu had said, emphasising the goal to establish Kangra district as the tourism capital of Himachal Pradesh.
“My government’s main focus will be on developing Palampur, the tea town, into a major tourist hub. Surrounded by the snow-clad Dhauladhar range, Palampur already attracts thousands of tourists each year because of its scenic beauty,” he had stated.
Himachal Tribune