Himachal emerging model of ‘hill urbanisation’: Vikramaditya

Urban Development Minister Vikramaditya Singh today said that Himachal, being one of the most ecologically fragile regions, required a distinct model of urban growth that balanced development with environmental conservation. He was speaking at a conclave on ‘Sustainable Urbanisation and Climate-Resilient Development’ at Kochi in Kerala.

Earlier, Vikramaditya met Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar. The Chief Ministers of various states, ministers, urban planners, development partners and climate experts took part in the deliberations. Participants from more than 10 nations gave valuable suggestions on urbanisation models.

He said, “Himachal is emerging as a model of mountain urbanisation as several states in India and countries have followed and adopted it. By 2047, the state aims to become the world’s ‘first climate-positive mountain state.” “Himachal is moving ahead with a comprehensive vision for climate-resilient and sustainable urban development,” he added.

“The 2023 monsoon season brought this reality home starkly. Unprecedented rainfall all over the state, cloudbursts and flash floods in Kullu-Manali and landslides remind us that climate resilience is not optional but essential for survival”, he stated. He emphasised that the future of urbanisation will be decided not in the metros and mega cities alone, but in places like Himachal Pradesh, where development and conservation is not optional but mandatory.

“The growing adoption of sustainable practices reflects the state government’s commitment to reducing environmental impact and enhancing quality of life through energy-efficient and resource-conscious designs,” he said. The state government has adopted measures like climate-smart building codes, vulnerability assessments in urban master plans and ecosystem-based adaptation to tackle challenges posed by climate change, Vikramaditya added.

He said, “Technology is being integrated with traditional knowledge for early warning systems, slope stabilisation through bio-engineering and smart water management.” He highlighted new financing models, including the ‘Himachal Green Development Fund’, carbon credit monetisation and tourism-linked infrastructure bonds. — TNS