Himachal Pradesh Government to introduce New Bill to Protect Public Utilities
Shimla, Aug 29,
The Himachal Pradesh government is preparing to introduce a new bill aimed at protecting public utilities from encroachment and unauthorized changes. The “Himachal Pradesh Prohibition of Change of Public Utilities Bill, 2025,” is set to be tabled in the current session of the Vidhan Sabha.
A formal notice from the Department of Revenue, dated August 28, 2025, details the government’s intention to introduce the legislation. The bill seeks to prohibit individuals or entities from disturbing, changing, or destroying public utilities such as roads, canals, and public buildings.
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According to the bill’s statement of objects and reasons, the legislation is a response to increasing attempts by private individuals to reclaim land that has long been used for public purposes, often for over ten years. These disputes have created serious administrative and financial difficulties for the government and have disrupted essential public services like road connectivity and water supply.
To address these challenges, the bill proposes penalties for violators, including imprisonment for up to six months and fines. The legislation also specifies that no compensation will be provided to anyone for the restrictions it imposes. The document states that the bill is in the public interest to safeguard these lands and ensure the continuity of essential public services
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