Land pooling policy in Himachal Pradesh to address Shimla congestion and plan BBN township

Himachal Pradesh is set to draft a Land Pooling Policy using land assembly models already used in other states, including Punjab. The move was approved by a Cabinet Sub-Committee chaired by Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister Jagat Singh Negi. Officials said the policy work will support planned development and ease pressure on key urban and industrial centres.

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The sub-committee was formed to find ways to cut congestion in Shimla city and other busy locations. Its scope also covered major industrial zones like Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh BBN and district headquarters across the state. Members placed special focus on relocating wholesale markets mandis, as these hubs add heavy traffic inside crowded city areas.

Himachal Pradesh Land Pooling Policy and BBN township plan

Members discussed building a new township in the BBN area and setting up a satellite town on the lines of Chandigarh. Deputy Commissioner Solan and the HIMUDA Chief Executive Officer told the committee that about 7,042 bighas had been consolidated. Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh attended, along with Public Works Minister Vikramaditya Singh.

Himachal Pradesh Land Pooling Policy focus on Shimla traffic bottlenecks

The panel also reviewed traffic pressure points across Shimla. It examined Chhota Shimla Chowk, Sanjauli Chowk, Baluganj Junction, Tutikandi Junction, and Dhalli Bypass-Tunnel Chowk. The review also included Kasumpti Junction, Dhalli Bus Stand Chowk, IGMC Bypass Chowk, Khalini Chowk, University Junction, and Victory Tunnel Chowk.

More locations were taken up during the assessment. These included Talland Junction, the Local Bus Stand, and other spots flagged by the Town and Country Planning Department. Officials were asked to treat these junctions as priority sites. The committee said targeted steps were needed to reduce delays and improve traffic flow across these stretches.

Himachal Pradesh Land Pooling Policy and time-bound congestion plans

The Public Works Department, the Himachal Pradesh Road and Infrastructure Development Corporation HPRIDC, and Ropeway and Rapid Transport System Development RTDC were asked to act jointly. They were directed to carry out regular inspections at the identified junctions. The agencies also had to prepare time-bound plans to implement measures meant to reduce congestion.

Shifting wholesale markets was discussed as a key step for Shimla. The committee looked at moving such markets to suitable sites outside the city. These locations were expected to be along the newly built four-lane highway. The aim was to reduce heavy vehicle movement and crowding in central areas.

Police and enforcement steps were also outlined for smoother movement. Superintendent of Police Shimla was told to take strict measures at Shoghi, Dhami and other key areas. The committee also issued directions to stop parking on both sides of roads. Departments were asked to identify and develop parking facilities where needed.

With inputs from PTI