2 - NEED FOR NEW TOWNSHIPS IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

2.1 Himachal Pradesh is a small hilly State with very little flat land. The old towns of Himachal Pradesh built by the then Rulers of the various Princely States, were located in valleys along rivers. Thereafter some towns including Shimla were established by the Britishers as summer resorts. These towns were located on hill tops.

2.2 At present out of 57 towns, 40 towns are located in valleys, 13 on hill tops, 2 on spurs and 2 in the gaps. The towns of Himachal Pradesh have small populations, and may be considered insignificant if compared with the cities and the towns in the rest of the country. Nevertheless, the towns of Himachal Pradesh are important due to their unique characteristics and their tourism value.

2.3 Due to increase in urban population, the pressure on the existing urban areas is increasing. The land available for expansion within urban areas is very limited. As a result, growth is taking place in rural areas surrounding the urban areas. This growth is mostly seen in the form of corridors along main roads leading to the urban area. The growth is only of residential or commercial structures without any addition to basic infrastructure and basic amenities. As a result the pressure on facilities in the main urban area increases.

2.4 There is thus a need for good planned new townships which are self contained in terms of basic amenities like water supply, basic education, medical facilities, recreational facilities etc. and have to depend to the nearest town only for special services like higher education and specialized medical treatment etc.

2.5 Certain towns in Himachal Pradesh are growing because of tourism. Some towns are growing because of large power projects coming up in their neighbourhood. These require new townships of a similar nature in order to reduce pressure and control haphazard and unplanned growth.

2.6 Himachal Pradesh has a good climate and environment which can be developed for tourism, high value recreation, good health care facilities, educational facilities and attendant commercial services. In case we want these to develop without putting extra pressure on our existing towns, then new townships are the answer.

GO TOP