SADA crackdown on illegal constructions in Bir Billing

The Bir Billing Special Area Development Authority (SADA) has initiated a stringent crackdown on illegal constructions in the area. Notices have been issued to disconnect power and water supply to 60 structures identified as unauthorised by SADA’s engineering team. These buildings were constructed without prior approval from the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Department.

Advertisement

Baijnath SDM and SADA chairman DC Thakur emphasised that illegal constructions will not be tolerated in Bir Billing, a rapidly growing tourist destination in Kangra Valley. He urged residents to adhere to TCP regulations to avoid demolition of their structures. SADA is actively identifying illegal buildings and issuing notices to violators to ensure compliance.

The issue of unplanned constructions in Bir Billing was recently brought to light by The Tribune. It highlighted the adverse effects of illegal development, which has not only marred the scenic beauty of this renowned paragliding site but also posed significant risks to pilots and tourists. The state government took immediate cognisance and initiated action.

Despite the formation of SADA 15 years ago to regulate development, unchecked construction has escalated in the past five years. The surge in tourist influx has led to a proliferation of hotels, restaurants, shops and homestays, resulting in a lack of open spaces for paragliders to land safely. Unauthorised constructions near landing zones and poor parking management have further exacerbated the problem, raising safety concerns.

Tourists, including foreigners, have expressed concerns that if urgent action is not taken, paragliders will lose safe landing spaces, which would severely impact Bir Billing’s reputation as one of the world’s top 10 paragliding sites. Additionally, SADA’s efforts to impose taxes, such as green taxes and pilot fees, have not translated into better facilities for visitors.

SADA is also grappling with challenges, including manpower shortages, lack of an operational office in Bir Billing, and inadequate waste disposal systems. These issues have compounded the problems caused by unregulated development.

Local panchayat leaders attribute the surge in illegal constructions to delays in site plan approvals by the TCP Department, citing red tape and bureaucratic hurdles. Stringent TCP laws and prolonged approval processes have forced many residents to bypass legal procedures, leading to rampant unauthorised building.

To restore order, SADA aims to enforce TCP regulations and streamline the approval process to curb illegal construction and safeguard the area’s natural beauty and safety for tourists and paragliders alike.