Cloudburst Incidents Likely to Rise in Uttarakhand, Northeast: CM Sukhu Calls for Sustainable Urbanisation.
Shimla:
Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today warned that cloudburst incidents are likely to increase in Uttarakhand and the Northeastern states in the coming years, stressing the urgent need for environmentally sustainable development in hill regions.
The Chief Minister made these remarks while releasing the book City Limits – The Crisis of Urbanisation, edited by former Deputy Mayor of Municipal Corporation Shimla Tikender Panwar, during an event held at Gaiety Theatre.
Addressing the gathering, Sukhu said that Himachal Pradesh has been blessed with clean air and water, and preserving these natural resources is a collective responsibility. Reflecting on the rapid transformation of Shimla over the decades, he said the city has undergone extensive urban expansion, with forests making way for concrete structures.
“I have seen Shimla changing since my childhood. Areas that once had forests are now covered with buildings. There is a need for vertical construction here,” the Chief Minister remarked.
Highlighting the state government’s urban infrastructure initiatives, Sukhu said an underground duct system worth Rs. 145 crore is being constructed in Shimla to eliminate overhead wiring and improve the city’s appearance. He added that a modern commercial complex costing Rs. 600 crore is being developed at the existing Sabzi Mandi site, while an underpass near the Lift area has also been proposed to ease congestion.
The Chief Minister further informed that a Rs. 800 crore water supply scheme is underway to ensure round-the-clock water availability in Shimla. Land acquisition for widening the Circular Road is also in progress, alongside efforts to expand notified green areas to preserve the city’s environmental balance and scenic beauty.
Emphasising sustainable urbanisation, Sukhu said the state government is focusing on beautification projects while maintaining ecological balance. He also announced plans for new townships, including Him-Chandigarh, Him-Panchkula, and an Aero City in Kangra district, along with strengthening tourism infrastructure across the state.
Raising concerns over climate-related disasters, the Chief Minister noted that Himachal Pradesh has suffered two major natural calamities in the last three years, causing widespread destruction. He said cloudburst incidents are now being scientifically studied as such events are increasingly occurring not only in higher reaches but also in lower-altitude regions.
Referring to recent incidents in the Seraj Assembly constituency, Sukhu said, “During a meeting with the Union Home Minister, I mentioned that cloudburst incidents will not remain limited to Himachal Pradesh in the future. Such incidents are likely to increase in Uttarakhand and the Northeastern states as well.”
He reiterated the government’s commitment to advancing development while safeguarding Himachal Pradesh’s natural environment, cultural heritage, and social harmony.
Former Chief Justice of the Jharkhand High Court, Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, also addressed the gathering and called for greater institutional accountability and civic responsibility in dealing with urbanisation challenges.
Speaking on tourism and traffic concerns in Shimla, Justice Chauhan said citizens must introspect rather than solely blaming tourists for congestion and environmental degradation. He observed that many residents own multiple vehicles despite lacking parking facilities and pointed out that local vehicles contribute significantly to traffic jams during school hours.
“Urbanisation is not merely a demographic change, it is the reorganisation of society itself,” Justice Chauhan said, adding that institutions have failed to keep pace with rapid urban growth, leaving vulnerable sections of society to bear the consequences.
Mayor of Municipal Corporation Shimla Surinder Chauhan, Principal Media Advisor to the Chief Minister Naresh Chauhan, Education Secretary Rakesh Kanwar, Director General Home Guards Satwant Atwal, and other dignitaries were also present at the event.
