Himachal Pradesh Government to Introduce Stringent Laws for Construction Safety and Geological Hazard Preparedness

Himachal Pradesh Government to Introduce Stringent Laws for Construction Safety and Geological Hazard Preparedness

The Himachal Pradesh government is set to introduce stringent laws aimed at regulating construction activities, with a focus on enhancing safety measures for citizens in the face of natural calamities. Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasized the need for legislation covering aspects like structural engineering permissions, land weight limits, and efficient drainage systems. He urged the public to support these initiatives, highlighting the importance of respecting nature and striking a balance between development and environmental preservation to prevent disasters and minimize their impact.

Chief Minister Sukhu made these remarks during the inauguration of a two-day workshop addressing geological hazards, particularly earthquakes and landslides in the western Himalayan region of Himachal Pradesh. He noted that the state had recently suffered significant losses due to monsoon-related events such as floods, cloudbursts, landslides, and reservoir water releases. Sukhu attributed these disasters partly to human greed and environmental exploitation, emphasizing the need for responsible construction practices and ecological awareness.

Himachal Pradesh to Enact Strict Laws for Regulating Construction Activities

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has announced that the state government is planning to enact strict laws to regulate construction activities and ensure the safety of citizens from natural calamities. The new laws will cover aspects such as permission for structural engineering, the limit of land to withstand the weight of a structure, and effective drainage systems.

He stressed the importance of studying the reasons behind the increased occurrence of cloud bursts this year, citing global warming as a contributing factor. The government responded promptly to provide relief in affected areas, restoring essential services like electricity, water, and telecommunications, as well as road connectivity.

Himachal Pradesh is situated in a seismic zone, making it susceptible to earthquakes. The Chief Minister mentioned that the central government had approved the installation of two Doppler Radars in Lahaul and Spiti and Kinnaur to aid in early weather warning systems.

Sukhu highlighted the significance of constructing tunnels to mitigate frequent landslides in hilly regions. He specifically mentioned the construction of tunnels in the Matour-Shimla four-lane project as a proactive measure. He encouraged identifying landslide-prone areas and implementing effective solutions to address these challenges.

The Chief Minister commended the State Disaster Management Authority and HIMCOSTE for organizing the workshop, promising to take appropriate actions based on the insights gained. The event also saw the Lions Club International Foundation sponsoring blankets and ration supplies, with three vehicles being flagged off for distribution.

In attendance were various dignitaries, including MLAs Inder dutt Lakhanpal, Vinod Sultanpuri, Sudarshan Babloo, Ajay Solanki, Bhuvneshwar Gaur, Principal Media Advisor to CM Naresh Chauhan, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena, and senior officers, making the workshop a collaborative effort to address geological hazards and enhance disaster preparedness in Himachal Pradesh.