Shimla : Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu on Tuesday evening released a book ‘City Limits – The Crisis of Urbanisation’ edited by former Deputy Mayor of Municipal Corporation Shimla Tikender Panwar at Gaiety Theatre, Shimla.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said that the nature has blessed Himachal Pradesh with clean air and water, and preserving these resources is the collective responsibility of every citizen. He said that Shimla, being the Capital and largest city of the State, has witnessed rapid transformation over the years. “I have seen Shimla changing since my childhood. Areas that once had forests are now covered with buildings. There is a need for vertical construction here,” he remarked.
The Chief Minister said that the state government is constructing an underground duct system in Shimla at a cost of Rs. 145 crore to remove overhead wiring and improve the city’s aesthetics. He added that a new modern complex is being developed at the present Sabzi Mandi area with an investment of Rs. 600 crore. An underpass near the Lift area has also been proposed. He further said that Rs. 800 crore water supply scheme is being implemented to ensure 24-hour water availability in Shimla town. In addition, land acquisition work is underway for widening the Circular Road, while efforts are also being made to increase notified green areas in order to preserve the beauty of the city.
Highlighting the State Government’s focus on sustainable development, the Chief Minister said several projects are being undertaken for the beautification of the capital city while maintaining environmental balance. He also stated that new townships such as Him-Chandigarh, Him-Panchkula and an Aero City in Kangra are being planned. Infrastructure related to tourism is also being strengthened, he added.
Emphasising on sustainable development, the Chief Minister said that Himachal Pradesh has faced two major natural disasters in the last three years, causing extensive damage in the State. He said that cloudburst incidents are now being scientifically studied, as such events are no longer confined to higher reaches but are also occurring in lower areas. He cited incidents in parts of the Seraj Assembly constituency as evidence of this trend.
The Chief Minister said: “During a meeting with the Union Home Minister, I mentioned that cloudburst incidents will not remain limited to Himachal Pradesh in the future. Such incidents are likely to increase in Uttarakhand and the Northeastern States as well.” He reiterated that the state government was committed to taking Himachal Pradesh forward on the path of development while safeguarding the State’s natural environment, culture and social balance.
Former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, while addressing the gathering, said that people need to improve their own conduct before blaming others. Referring to tourism-related concerns, he said that restrictions should not only be imposed on tourists, but citizens must also act responsibly. He stated that many people are purchasing multiple vehicles despite having no parking facilities. He further remarked that during school hours, the majority of traffic congestion is caused not by tourists’ vehicles, but mainly by Himachal-registered vehicles. “We need to introspect,” he said.
Justice Chauhan said: “The main issue I want to discuss is that the State requires complete institutional accountability. Urbanization is not merely a demographic change, it is the reorganization of society itself. Millions of people are entering public life, sharing common resources and depending on urban local bodies and planning frameworks. However, our institutions are not keeping pace with this transformation. The people who ultimately pay the price for this institutional failure are invariably those who are the least powerful.”
Mayor Municipal Corporation Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, Director General Home Guards Satwant Atwal, former Deputy Mayor Tikender Panwar Municipal Corporation Shimla and Bureau Chief of the Tribune Pratibha Chauhan, along with other dignitaries were present on the occasion.
