More areas now in Shimla green zone

Kullu: The Himachal Pradesh govt has amended the Shimla Development Plan by including additional areas under the green belt.
In a statement on Sunday, the state govt stated that it had decided to include new areas under the Green Belt designation. These include Retreat, Mashobra Band, Tukda Andri, Shiv Mandir Andri, Tal and Giri, DPF Khalini, BCS Mist Chamber, and Parimahal.The areas currently designated as green belts include forests bounded by the bypass and Cart Road, Nabha forest, Phagli and Lalpani forests, Bemloe forest, Himland forest, Khalini and Chhota Shimla forest areas. The statement read that as per Shimla Development Plan 2041, residential construction within the green belt area would be strictly regulated. “Construction will only be permitted on plots devoid of trees. Any plot containing trees, whether green or dry, will be designated as a green plot, prohibiting any construction activities,” the statement added.
Meanwhile, CM Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said his govt was committed to a planned and systematic development of Shimla. “This initiative aims to preserve Shimla’s natural heritage, ensuring a greener and healthier future for upcoming generations. We must maintain a balance between environmental conservation and development. The state govt is committed to curbing haphazard construction in Shimla to preserve its aesthetic appeal, making it a favorite destination for the tourists,” he said.
Notably, the Shimla Development Plan, which provides relaxations in construction activities in Shimla, was quashed by the National Green Tribunal last year while terming it “illegal”.