CM Sukhu on Tuesday cautioned that cloudburst incidents are likely to rise not only in Himachal Pradesh but also in Uttarakhand and the Northeastern states in the coming years, as changing weather patterns continue to impact Himalayan regions.
The Chief Minister was speaking at the launch of City Limits – The Crisis of Urbanisation, a book edited by former Shimla Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar at Gaiety Theatre.
Reflecting on Shimla’s rapid urban expansion, Sukhu said the city has undergone dramatic changes over the decades, with forested areas increasingly giving way to concrete structures. Stressing the need for planned vertical development, he said preserving Himachal Pradesh’s natural resources, including clean air and water, must remain a collective priority.
Highlighting ongoing urban infrastructure projects in the state capital, the Chief Minister said the government is implementing a ₹145-crore underground duct system to eliminate overhead wires and improve Shimla’s appearance. He added that a ₹600-crore modern complex is planned at the existing Sabzi Mandi site, while an underpass near the Lift area and widening of the Circular Road are also in the pipeline. A ₹800-crore water supply project aimed at ensuring round-the-clock water availability in Shimla is currently underway, he said.
Sukhu also outlined the government’s long-term urban vision, mentioning proposed townships such as Him-Chandigarh, Him-Panchkula and an Aero City in Kangra, alongside efforts to strengthen tourism infrastructure while maintaining ecological balance.
Speaking on climate-linked disasters, the Chief Minister noted that Himachal Pradesh has witnessed two major natural calamities in the last three years. He said scientific studies on cloudbursts have revealed a worrying shift, with such incidents now occurring in lower-altitude regions as well. Referring to recent events in the Seraj Assembly constituency, he warned that the phenomenon is becoming increasingly widespread across the Himalayan belt.
Former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, also addressed the gathering and called for greater civic responsibility and institutional accountability. He said unchecked urbanisation is reshaping society faster than governance systems can adapt, adding that ordinary citizens often bear the brunt of poor planning and administrative failures.
Commenting on traffic congestion and tourism pressure in Shimla, Justice Chauhan observed that local residents too must share responsibility instead of blaming tourists alone. He pointed out that increasing vehicle ownership without adequate parking infrastructure is adding to the city’s mounting urban challenges.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
