Urgent Need to Implement Model Building Rules Stressed by Chief Secretary

Shimla, Aug 28 – In light of the recent heavy rains that wreaked havoc in Shimla, Chief Secretary Prabodh Saxena led a meeting with a specialized team responsible for assessing the preliminary damage caused by the torrential downpours. The initial evaluation highlighted that the extensive destruction in the state capital was primarily attributed to poor waste disposal practices along fragile slopes, an inadequate drainage system, and unsystematic excavation of hills.

The Chief Secretary revealed that this August, Shimla experienced a surplus of rainfall, measuring 552.1 mm, surpassing the 514.30 mm recorded during the same period in 2022. To mitigate disaster risks, he stressed the crucial importance of meticulously planned construction endeavors, complete with a robust drainage framework. He emphasized that the unregulated construction projects, coupled with blocked drains causing deviations in water flow, were responsible for the bulk of the damages. The Chief Secretary also urged the proper management of excavated materials during construction activities.

In a bid to curtail potential disasters, the Chief Secretary urged a comprehensive evaluation of regions prone to calamities within the state. Furthermore, he emphasized the urgent need to universally adopt and enforce the Model Building Rules across both urban and rural areas.

During the meeting, extensive discussions centered around measures to ensure secure construction practices in rural areas. The regulation of construction projects near rivulets, nullahas, and steep gradients also took center stage.

The focus of this meeting on implementing stringent building guidelines underscores the Chief Secretary’s commitment to averting future catastrophes. By addressing the issues of haphazard construction and insufficient drainage, the state is moving towards safer, more resilient urban planning.