1 - INTRODUCTION

1.1 Rapid urbanisation all over the country has led to a shortage of basic infrastructure in urban areas. Himachal Pradesh has also witnessed a high growth in urban population. In 1901, there were 21 towns in the State. This number went up to 57 in 1991. The urban population was 0.08 million in 1901, which increased to 0.44 million in 1991.

1.2 Each town has a particular population carrying capacity. When the population of a town increases beyond its carrying capacity, the quality of life in that town, declines. There is unsustainable pressure on basic infrastructure. Because of this, the residents of the town face shortage of water, housing, transport and other basic goods and services

1.3 After a town has reached a certain size, some form of new growth centres are desirable to break its continuous sprawl beyond that size. As with the periphery getting further from its heart, the city becomes less convenient and less comfortable due to the fact that the town services become less effective and less economical. A new township is a specific type of township, distinctively self contained in itself but at the same time having a degree of dependency on the nearest town / city in the vicinity.

1.4 New township has the following characteristics :-

• It is as for as possible self contained with respect to all basic facilities and requirements.
• It is connected to the nearest town /city with rapid transport and communication systems.

1.5. New townships can be for a specific purpose like :-

• Residential
• Tourism

1.6 New townships can also be for a mixture of the above purposes depending upon the requirement of the nearest town. A new township should be situated beyond the "green belt" of the main city. Though new township is complete in itself,(having facilities to fulfill daily needs, such as primary school, nursery school, shopping center, dispensary etc.,) it should have communication with the nearest city, as important centers of office and work and industries are situated there and to go to the main city, conveniences such as trains, buses etc., are necessary. A new township is mostly a residential area . The size of new township should be limited, otherwise it would become unmanageable and would face the same problems which are seen in bigger towns.

GO TOP