Amidst unprecedented environmental challenges during this year's monsoon season, Himachal Pradesh has imposed a two-week ban on hill cutting and halted fresh construction permits, except for disaster-related rebuilding. The decision, in effect until September 16, comes as the state grapples with catastrophic landslides, erosion, and significant loss of life and property. The government's priority is safeguarding human lives, infrastructure, and the fragile ecological balance. With over 250 lives lost and massive economic losses, this move underscores Himachal Pradesh's commitment to environmental preservation and safety in the face of ongoing environmental crises.
Himachal Pradesh, a picturesque state in India known for its stunning hills and valleys, has taken significant steps to protect its fragile environment in the face of severe environmental disruptions during this year's monsoon season. The state government has imposed a two-week ban on hill cutting for private development and most construction activities, with exceptions made for rebuilding disaster-affected buildings and roads.
This measure is in effect until September 16, aimed at mitigating the risks posed by ongoing environmental challenges. In addition to the hill cutting ban, the government has also halted the issuance of fresh permissions for planning and construction in certain districts. Specifically, commercial or tourism units in Shimla, Mandi, Kullu, Kangra, Solan, and Chamba districts will not receive new building permits for the next two weeks. These strict measures have been implemented due to the state's recent experience with unprecedented environmental disturbances, including catastrophic landslides, land subsidence, river-bank failures, and severe erosion. These events have resulted in tragic loss of life and property.
The primary objective behind these actions is to prioritize the safety of human lives, safeguard habitations and infrastructure, and protect the state's delicate ecological balance. The ban on hill cutting and construction permissions is an urgent response to the ongoing environmental challenges heightened by the monsoon season. The government's order came into immediate effect, and any violations will be addressed in accordance with the law.
Since the monsoon's onset on June 24, Himachal Pradesh has already witnessed the loss of 257 lives due to rain-related incidents, along with substantial economic losses estimated at Rs 8,663 crore, according to the state's emergency operation centre. However, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has suggested that the actual losses may exceed Rs 12,000 crore, as further estimates continue to pour in.
Himachal Pradesh's decision to impose a temporary ban on hill cutting and halt fresh building permissions underscores its commitment to prioritizing the safety of its residents, preserving its unique environment, and addressing the ongoing challenges posed by the monsoon season. These measures aim to strike a balance between development and environmental conservation in this ecologically sensitive region.
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