Solan colony residents stand firm against green space grab

The residents of Housing Board Colony, Phase-1 in the Saproon area of Solan have strongly opposed the Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority’s (HIMUDA) decision to construct new flats over a precious open space. Terming the move as “anti-environmental” and harmful to community well-being, the colony’s Residents Welfare Society has vowed to resist it at all levels.

Advertisement

At a meeting convened by the society last evening, residents expressed unanimous disapproval of the plan, which they say threatens one of the last green spaces in an already congested locality. The open area, currently serving as a community green patch, was originally set aside when the colony was first developed in the 1980s. The residents argue that this space now acts as the colony’s “lungs,” and losing it to more concrete structures would worsen congestion and pollution.

“The Saproon area houses the state’s first housing colony, developed by HIMUDA, where nearly 200 families settled over four decades ago,” stated Rajiv Kaura, former Deputy Mayor and current ward councillor, who also joined the protest.

Residents say that instead of addressing the long-pending civic issues, HIMUDA is now prioritising profit over public good. “Our roads are too narrow for emergency vehicles like ambulances or fire tenders. We barely have proper parking facilities, and water shortages are routine,” said Mohan Chauhan, president of the Residents Welfare Society.

He further highlighted that cars parked on narrow lanes block traffic, especially during emergencies. The colony, he added, already struggles with a lack of basic infrastructure like schools, dispensaries, parks, shopping areas, and a designated garbage dumping site. In some areas, the unregulated dumping of muck has even created sinking zones that become hazardous during rains.

Adding to the concerns, two new housing blocks have already been constructed in the area. During their construction, the heavy movement of goods vehicles damaged sewage chambers, creating further inconveniences for residents.

Residents fear that more construction will not only remove the only patch of greenery but will also lead to the felling of trees, choking the area further and depriving families of fresh air and recreational space.

Mohan Chauhan, along with society members Pankaj, Hitesh, Virender Thakur, and others, stated that they are preparing to take the matter to higher authorities, including the State High Court and the National Green Tribunal, in a bid to stop what they call an “environmentally and socially unjust” move.

However, Dinesh Verma, Executive Engineer of HIMUDA, clarified that the proposed construction area spans 12,000 sq metres and has been approved by the Town and Country Planning Department. “It is not a designated green space but an unused open area earmarked for residential development,” he said.

Despite this claim, the residents remain unconvinced and united in their stand to protect their only green patch, insisting that development should not come at the cost of the environment and community health.