Illegal construction on slopes recipe for disaster in Himachal: Report

Tribune News Service

Pratibha Chauhan

Shimla, January 31

Instances of unauthorised construction on steep slopes, land misuse and complete go-by to building norms in the rural areas outside planning limits could pose a major threat to safety of houses in the state in case of a natural disaster.

These concerns have been echoed by the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) in the post-disaster needs assessment (PDNA) study undertaken by experts after the havoc wreaked by unprecedented rains in the last monsoon. The report has recommended regular audits of constructions.

The main objective of the PDNA was to assess the damages due to the floods in Himachal Pradesh last monsoon and define a strategy for recovery, including its financial cost, and the corrective measures, which need to be put in place.

"Enforcement challenges arise due to rapid urbanisation and changing socio-economic dynamics. Instances of unauthorised construction have led to issues of building quality, land misuse and safety concerns. Ensuring strict adherence to regulations and conducting regular audits is crucial," the report reads.

An interesting fact that finds mention in the report is the fact that a majority of the construction work is being done by migrant workers who know only the brick masonry and not the traditional hill wooden and mud constructions called ‘kath kuni’, which induces resilience in the rigid masonry wall. The report has strongly recommended that structures made in the local style were found to be vibrant, architecturally rich and reflected the local culture and heritage which needs to be revived.

Another area of concern reflected in the study is the construction of houses in rural areas falling outside the planning areas where the construction norms apply. "Most of the houses in rural areas are without safety checks. People obtain permits only in case they need a loan or any other government facility. One of the prime reasons for Himachal's current vulnerable situation is the absence of a building permit system," the report points out. At present, the building byelaws are not mandatory in the areas falling outside the Planning Areas and Special Area Development Authority (SADA).

The report has strongly recommended a thorough examination of the existing building by laws to ensure that all multi-hazard issues, especially landslide and earthquake, are addressed.

The report highlights the unregulated development in Himachal Pradesh, in the fragile mountainous ecosystems, which has added to the vulnerability of the Himalayan region creating a cascade of environmental and infrastructural challenges, amplifying the disaster risks in the region.

It clearly points out that the drive for urbanisation and tourism has led to rapid construction activities. Often, these constructions ignore essential guidelines, leading to establishments on unstable slopes or floodplains. Such development compromises the natural drainage systems and makes areas susceptible to landslides, particularly during the monsoon season.

The report has also shed light on the adverse impact of state's increasing road networks on the ecologically sensitive zones. The report mentions the trend of removal of vast green covers and digging into heels without proper safeguards, which often destabilise the terrain, intensifying the threat of landslides.

Another area of concern highlighted by the report is the unchecked growth of settlements around river banks and valleys, driven by tourism and a growing population. The report clearly points towards the fact that water channels, which should act as natural outlets, are often encroached upon, leading to a higher vulnerability during heavy rainfall.

The study has relied upon the satellite data for the month of September /October 2022 and April /May 2023 before the monsoon period and satellite data for the month of July/August 2023 as the post disaster for investigation purposes. All landslides/slips and debris flow have been mapped from the satellite data.

Rapid urbanisation, no building norms

• Rapid urbanisation, land misuse and absence of building norms in rural areas pose a major threat to safety of houses
• Majority of the construction work is being done by migrant workers who know only the brick masonry and not the traditional hill wooden and mud construction called kath kuni, which is resilient
• Impact of state's increasing road network on the ecologically sensitive zones as greenery is being removed and digging without safeguards
• Unchecked growth of settlements around river banks and valleys driven by tourism and a growing population
• Natural water outlets are often encroached upon, leading to a higher vulnerability during rains

In numbers

Rs 2,308.91 crore Total damage to housing sector

24,885 Total houses (pucca, semi-pucca, kutcha houses, huts, and cattle sheds) affected due to 2023 rains

4,948 Houses that need reconstruction

No safety checks in rural areas

Most of the houses in rural areas are without safety checks. People obtain permits only in case they need a loan or any other government facility. One of the prime reasons for Himachal’s current vulnerable situation is the absence of a building permit system. NDMA report

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