The digging of hills for construction works continues unabated in Himachal Pradesh and most unfortunate part of this wanton destruction is that even govt agencies are not far behind. Even for authorities, conserving soil and water conservation is the least priority. Otherwise, how is that Jai Ram Govt in Shimla is digging out the hills for the installation of a lift and some other construction activities in the heritage Ellerslie building, housing the state secretariat.
Worst more than 25,000 unauthorized constructions in sheer violations of Town and Country Planning (TCP) norms have been raised right under the nose of MC, Shimla and state govt.
Now that National Green Tribunal (NGT) has banned all construction activities in Green Belt areas, Jai Ram Govt is in a fix as many of these works, are at an advanced stage of construction. NGT has reiterated its resolve to not allow more than two and a half storey construction in the state capital and suburbs. NGT has also expressed its deep concern over the failure of the govt to regulate the construction in state capital. The green tribunal has also directed that the Shimla Development Plan be finalized within three months in accordance with law.
It is to be noted that Jai Ram Thakur government had sought permission for the installation of a lift, remodeling of roof, ramp for physically challenged persons in Ellerslie Main building, visitors waiting hall for Chief Minister office, extension of car parking at Armsdale building at Secretariat, multi-storey parking and office accommodation as part of Phase III expansion. All these plans have been turned down.
“Beyond the Core, Green/Forest area and the areas falling under the authorities of the Shimla Planning Area, the construction may be permitted strictly in accordance with the provisions of the TCP Act, development plan and the municipal laws in force. Even in these areas, construction will not be permitted beyond two storeys plus attic floor,” the NGT ordered.
Earlier, the NGT had restrained the state government from lifting the construction ban imposed in year 2000 in the green belts, called as lungs of the town.
Experts say the unplanned construction in hill areas has not only ruined its pristine beauty but has destroyed its ecological advantages. The construction in hills should have in mind the geo-technical, geological, drainage, load bearing capacity, slope and groundwater investigations. Hillsides having extensively folded, faulted, fractured and fissured rock strata must be avoided for location of buildings.
As such , while undertaking construction in hills, the nature and behaviour of soil or rock, and dip and strike of discontinuity surfaces should be assessed at the cuttings or test pits or by boring in soils to check the wetness of the ground on which the construction is to be done. For heterogeneous rock and soil mass existing on hillsides, RCC strip foundations must be provided. There has to be adequate reinforcement along the wall to take care of loose and soft pockets below strip footing. For major buildings, stepped terrace development has to be avoided on soil mixed boulders, loose weathered soft rocks, badly fractured rocks and rocky zones dipping outward on downward site.
Unfortunately, we do little or no survey work and construction are done even on loose and soft pockets, and badly fractured rocks. Nearly 97 of the total geographical area of Himachal Pradesh is prone to landslides. Shimla, among the other districts in
the State of Himachal Pradesh, falls in the severe landslide hazard risk category. Reckless and excessive constructions and indiscriminate felling of trees is the root cause of a spurt in landslides.. Undisputedly, there are ecologically fragile areas as these are part of the youngest mountain ranges and also fall in seismic zone IV and V. The slope landslides are mostly man-made
It is most unfortunate that those who are expected to role model the conservation of hills are themselves in forefront to ruin the ecological advantages. Is a lift or expanding Secretariat is more important than preserving the ecological advantages?
(Chander Sharma)
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