Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning (TCP) Minister Rajesh Dharmani has directed the strict implementation of Rule 21 of the HP TCP Act for all three- to five-storey buildings in the state. This move comes in response to rising incidents of landslides, foundation sinking, and structural failures in buildings.
During a meeting with senior TCP officials, Minister Dharmani highlighted the vulnerability of Himachal Pradesh and the Tricity region of Chandigarh, which fall under Seismic Zone-VI as per the Bureau of Indian Standards. He expressed concern over unscientific construction practices and lax enforcement of building norms, which increase risks in the fragile hill ecology.
Under Rule 21, soil investigations and structural stability assessments are mandatory before approvals are granted. A Soil Investigation Report, certified by a qualified geologist, must be submitted for areas prone to sliding, sinking, reclaimed land, or zones identified under development plans. Likewise, a Structural Stability Certificate from a registered structural engineer is required before permission is granted and before any building is occupied.
“The scientific assessment of soil bearing capacity and structural design is essential to prevent building collapses and foundation failures,” the minister stated. He emphasized that these measures aim to safeguard public safety and mitigate avoidable disasters.
Minister Dharmani also outlined revised planning norms: buildings must be constructed at least five metres away from a ‘nallah’ and seven metres from a river. Plots not connected to roads will be limited to two-and-a-half storeys, while plots on approved roads may allow up to five storeys, provided safety norms are met.
He instructed TCP officials to scrutinize all building proposals strictly and warned that deviations from the prescribed rules would lead to action. The minister stressed that enforcing Rule 21 in letter and spirit is vital for sustainable urban development in the seismically sensitive hill state.
Nurturing Creativity – Keekli Charitable Trust, Shimla
