Himachal government expands ‘Green Belt’ areas in Shimla to promote environmental conservation

In order to increase greenery and promote environmental conservation, the Himachal Pradesh government has amended the Shimla Development Plan to extend the Green Belt within the Shimla planning area. This belt includes both the city and its suburbs.

An official spokesman said here on Sunday that Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu emphasised the government’s commitment to planned and systematic development of Shimla, with emphasis on restoring its historical charm and ecological balance.

According to him, increasing forest cover will reduce soil erosion and increase the state’s environmental resilience.

“As per the Shimla Development Plan 2041, residential construction within the Green Belt Area will be strictly regulated. Construction will be allowed only on plots without trees. Any plot with trees, whether green or dry, will be designated as a green plot, prohibiting all construction activities,” the spokesperson said.

The areas currently designated as Green Belts include forests adjacent to the bypass and the cart road, Nabha forest, Phagli and Lalpani forests, Bemloe forest, Himland forest, Khalini and Chhota Shimla forest areas, which are outlined in the plan, he added.

Moreover, the government has decided to include new areas in the Green Belt designation, he said. These are: Retreat, Mashobra Band, Tukda Andri, Shiv Mandir Andri, Tal and Giri, DPF Khalini, BCS Mist Chamber and Parimahal.

The Prime Minister stressed the importance of preserving Shimla’s natural heritage through an initiative aimed at ensuring a greener and healthier future for generations to come.

The Chief Minister said, “This initiative is aimed at preserving Shimla’s natural heritage, and ensuring a greener and healthier future for generations to come. We need to maintain a balance between environmental conservation and development. One of the main objectives is to curb indiscriminate construction in Shimla to maintain its aesthetic appeal, and thus make it an attractive destination for tourists.”

Moreover, the Prime Minister emphasised the crucial role of green areas in Shimla and termed them as the lungs of the city.

These green spaces are essential for maintaining the ecological balance, as they absorb carbon dioxide, release oxygen, regulate temperature and limit the heat island effect in cities, he said.

In addition, they contribute to improving the aesthetic appeal of the city, by providing places for recreation and relaxation for both residents and tourists, he said, adding that this in turn improves mental health and well-being. Moreover, green areas play an important role in preventing soil erosion and landslides.

The initiative aims to protect and enhance Shimla’s natural environment, ensure sustainable development while retaining the city’s charm and appeal as a preferred destination for visitors, he said.