The Shimla Development Plan 2041 is aimed at defining the future development initiatives for Himachal Pradesh’s capital city. This plan, approved by the Supreme Court, is designed to regulate construction activities within the city and its surrounding areas in a sustainable manner.
The draft of this development plan was published in February 2022 by the Town and Country Planning Department of Himachal Pradesh under the Atal Mission for Rejuvenation and Urban Transformation or AMRUT, a sub-scheme of the Government of India. The plan utilizes Geographic Information System (GIS) technology and operates under the provisions of the Himachal Pradesh Town and Country Planning Act, 1977.
The Role of the National Green Tribunal (NGT)
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) is a specialized judicial body established in 2010 for quick resolution of cases related to environmental protection and conservation of forests and other natural resources. With the creation of the NGT, India became the third country following Australia and New Zealand, and the first developing country to have a specialized environmental tribunal. The NGT is permitted to review its own decisions, and its judgments are compulsory.
The NGT has five places of sitting with New Delhi as its principal place and Bhopal, Pune, Kolkata, and Chennai as the other four. The tribunal comprises a chairperson, at least ten but not more than twenty judicial members, and at least ten but not more than twenty expert members.
Interactions between the Shimla Development Plan 2041 and the NGT
The NGO initially labeled the development plan as illegal due to perceived conflicts with previous rulings made in 2017 that prohibited construction of buildings above two floors and the attic floor within the Shimla planning area. The State Government appealed to the Supreme Court which, in January 2024, overruled the orders of the NGT on the grounds that the tribunal was not in a jurisdictional position to direct the state government’s formulation of the development plan.
What is AMRUT?
Launched in June 2015, AMRUT, under the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, aims to ensure every household gets access to a tap with assured water supply and a sewerage connection. The mission prioritizes water supply followed by sewerage. It also focuses on reducing pollution by encouraging public transport and non-motorized transport facilities, along with developing green spaces and parks. Supervision of the mission is conducted by an Apex Committee led by the Secretary, MoHUA.
UPSC Civil Services Examination: Past Year Question
Question: How does the National Green Tribunal (NGT) differ from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB)?
1. The NGT has been established by an Act whereas the CPCB has been created by an executive order of the Government.
2. The NGT provides environmental justice and helps reduce the burden of litigation in the higher courts whereas the CPCB promotes cleanliness of streams and wells and aims to improve the quality of air in the country.
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer Choices:
(a) 1 only
(b) 2 only
(c) Both 1 and 2
(d) Neither 1 nor 2
The correct answer is (b) 2 only