Shimla, Nov 21,
The Himachal Pradesh government has issued new notifications hiking construction and permission charges in different planning areas across the state.
According to two-page notifications issued by the state government, increased charges will apply to seeking permission, sanction, revision, and change in existing land use for residential and other constructions.
The fee structure for construction and land use permissions in Himachal Pradesh varies based on location and type of construction. Within Municipal Corporation (MC) areas, residential constructions are charged Rs. 40 per square meter, while non-residential constructions are charged Rs. 80 per square meter. Outside MC areas, residential and non-residential constructions are charged Rs. 30 and Rs. 60 per square meter, respectively.
Similar increases apply to additional fees like revalidation, alteration, subdivision of land, and change of land use. Different urban local bodies have varying fee structures, with Municipal Councils and Nagar Panchayats charging 90% and 80% of the MC rates, respectively. Special Area Development Authorities (SADAs) may charge higher fees, especially for industrial areas. Tribal SADAs charge 60% of the prescribed rates, while other SADAs charge 80%. Additionally, plots within 100 meters of highways and those requiring specific permissions may incur additional fees.
The new regulations, announced by the state’s Urban Development and Town & Country Planning departments, are seen as a significant step towards tightening control over real estate construction and potentially discouraging outside players in the rural hospitality industry.
A notable change is the sharp increase in fees for passing construction plans. This fee has been hiked by up to four times for both residential and commercial projects. This could lead to higher property prices at a time when the state’s economy is facing challenges.
Architects and real estate professionals have expressed concern, predicting that these changes may discourage investment, increase costs for buyers, and potentially slow down construction activity in the region.
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