Himachal HC gets tough against construction on green belts

Acting tough against ongoing construction activities in Shimla, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered that no construction of any nature would be carried out in vacant lands or green belts without its consent.

"No construction of any nature shall be carried out by the Municipal Corporation of Shimla over the vacant, green and common area without leave of the court," a division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjay Karol and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel said on Tuesday.

Listing the case for next hearing on March 20, they directed the Shimla Municipal Commissioner to file an affidavit listing the construction carried out by the corporation and the status.

Issuing a warning, the judges clarified that ongoing constructions should be strictly in accordance with the plans sanctioned by the authorities concerned.

The Municipal Commissioner and the Deputy Commissioner should carry out an inspection drive and have all premises of New Shimla Colony inspected for ascertaining as to whether any illegal or un-authorised activity of construction or user is being carried out or not.

"If it is found that any of the premises allotted and meant to be used for residential purposes is used for any other purposes, such illegal activity shall be ordered to be closed forthwith," said the bench.

--IANS

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