Himachal Pradesh Land Pooling Policy: The Himachal Pradesh government has decided to draft a Land Pooling Policy based on land assembly models implemented in other states, including Punjab. The decision was approved by a Cabinet Sub-Committee chaired by Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi.
Officials said the proposed policy is aimed at promoting planned development and reducing pressure on major urban and industrial centres across the state.
The sub-committee was constituted to identify solutions for traffic congestion in Shimla and other busy locations. Its mandate also included reviewing issues in key industrial areas such as Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) and district headquarters across Himachal Pradesh.
During the meeting, members placed special emphasis on relocating wholesale markets and mandis, which contribute significantly to traffic congestion in crowded urban areas.
The committee also discussed the development of a new township in the BBN region and explored the possibility of establishing a satellite town on the lines of Chandigarh. The Deputy Commissioner of Solan and the Chief Executive Officer of HIMUDA informed the panel that around 7,042 bighas of land had already been consolidated.
Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh and Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh also attended the meeting.
The panel reviewed major traffic bottlenecks in Shimla, including Chhota Shimla Chowk, Sanjauli Chowk, Baluganj Junction, Tutikandi Junction and Dhalli Bypass-Tunnel Chowk. Other locations examined included Kasumpti Junction, Dhalli Bus Stand Chowk, IGMC Bypass Chowk, Khalini Chowk, University Junction and Victory Tunnel Chowk.
The assessment further covered Talland Junction, the Local Bus Stand and several other locations identified by the Town and Country Planning Department. Officials were directed to treat these junctions as priority areas and take targeted measures to improve traffic flow and reduce delays.
The committee instructed the Public Works Department, Himachal Pradesh Road and Infrastructure Development Corporation (HPRIDC), and Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development Corporation (RTDC) to work jointly on the identified issues. The agencies were asked to conduct regular inspections and prepare time-bound action plans to ease congestion.
Relocating wholesale markets outside Shimla was also discussed as a key strategy. The proposed sites are expected to be located along the newly developed four-lane highway to reduce heavy vehicle movement and congestion within the city.
The committee also outlined enforcement measures to improve traffic management. The Superintendent of Police, Shimla, was directed to implement strict measures in Shoghi, Dhami and other important areas. Instructions were also issued to prevent parking on both sides of roads, while departments were asked to identify and develop additional parking facilities where required.
