Villagers protest TCP rules in Palampur’s rural areas

Residents of 15 panchayats in Palampur have opposed the Himachal Pradesh government’s decision to extend the jurisdiction of the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act to their rural areas. During a meeting held in Chachian, about 10 km from Palampur, locals decided to intensify their agitation until the government withdraws the notification.

Advertisement

In August 2024, the state government brought 76 more revenue mohals, encompassing these 15 panchayats, under the TCP Act. The move aims to regulate construction in areas adjoining Palampur town, such as Gopalpur, Dadh, Maranda, Nagri, and Bhawarna. However, residents fear the new rules will impose strict building regulations, impacting their livelihood and autonomy.

The government’s decision comes in response to widespread unregulated construction in these areas, which fall under seismic zone 5 and are at risk of earthquakes. Rapid development in the form of hotels, resorts, and homestays has raised concerns about safety and environmental sustainability. A senior TCP official explained that the High Court had directed the state government to extend building norms across all potential growth areas, including rural zones, to prevent unplanned development.

“The court emphasised that even rural areas must adhere to planning guidelines to ensure safe and sustainable growth,” the official said. Development plans for these high-growth areas are being prepared by the TCP department to regulate construction activities.

Despite these justifications, villagers are adamant in their opposition. They argue that the TCP regulations will hinder local construction practices and impose unnecessary restrictions. Similar efforts by the government to include rural areas under planning categories have faced resistance in the past.

The affected panchayats, including Jia Bagora, Thakurdwara, and Bhawarna, are witnessing haphazard multi-story construction without proper designs or adherence to safety standards. Residents are concerned that the new rules will stifle development rather than address the underlying issues.

With Himachal Pradesh already covering its urban local bodies under 57 planning areas and 35 Special Area Development Authorities (SADA), the TCP’s extension to rural areas has sparked a debate between development and local autonomy.

As protests gain momentum, the state government faces mounting pressure to balance the need for regulated construction with the concerns of rural residents.