Shimla: Residents of New Shimla Phase III have objected to HIMUDA (Himachal Pradesh Housing and Urban Development Authority) plans of converting green space into residential plots.
President of the Resident Welfare Association, Mamta Mokta in a communiqué stated that HIMUDA plans of using green space marked in front of Block – 22 into residential plots would not be allowed as it not only violates the colonies development map layout but would choke the sparse green belt in the colony.
The association has also written to chief minister Prem Kumar Dhumal, alerting him about HIMUDA plans in the locality that would be resisted.
“HIMUDA officials entering the area would be confronted,” the communiqué warned.
Land scarcity and unplanned growth of Shimla city has cast a premium on land prices at New Shimla, a township planned in the early 1990’s but which is fast getting choked up by traffic and new constructions.
A disputed 200 meter plot in Phase I, New Shimla that under court orders was put up for auction went under the hammer for Rs 1.86 Crore in March 2010 which was a record price for Shimla city.
A colony being built by a private colonizer deep inside a deodar forested area at another part of the city has generated much political heat, with charges of laws being violated having been leveled by opposition Congress and CPI(M).
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads the team of media professionals at Hill Post.
In a career spanning over two decades through all formats of journalism in Electronic, Print and Online Media, he brings with him enough experience to steer this platform. He lives in Shimla.
Yes, they should oppose conversion to plots. Every there and then, authorities are changing plan to rehahblitats/accomodates their favorites at the cost of general public. Shimla in general has lost green park area to massive buildings etc. and whatsoever is left being converted. A sad story.