Himachal plans tougher building regulations amid rising disasters

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Yog Raj Sharma

The North News

Shimla, September 20

The Himachal Pradesh government is preparing to introduce stricter construction norms in response to the state’s growing vulnerability to natural disasters. Under the new rules, obtaining permission will be mandatory for house construction in panchayat areas. Panchayats will be empowered to grant approvals for buildings up to 600 square metres. Sharing details, State Town Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani said the move was essential to protect both lives and property in a disaster-prone state. He added that the changes would also promote planned development, ensuring rural residents had better access to essential facilities.  Dharmani also commented on tax policy, saying Congress had long demanded simplification of the Goods and Services Tax (GST). He recalled that party leader Rahul Gandhi once described GST as the “Gabbar Singh Tax”. He accused the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) of trying to take credit for reforms, while adding that it should apologise for “imposing higher taxes” between 2017 and 2025. On political remarks by actor and MP Kangana Ranaut, Dharmani said the BJP and Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) often used her to voice their positions. Defending the Gandhi family, he highlighted their role in the independence struggle and criticised BJP leaders for questioning their patriotism.