Technical Education, Housing and Town and Country Planning Minister Rajesh Dharmani on Sunday underscored the critical role of inter-state collaboration and the exchange of best practices in achieving sustainable, balanced and well-organised urban development across India.
Seminar on Policy Framework and Planning Practices
Speaking at a one-day seminar on “Policy Framework and Planning Practices” organised by the Northern Chapter of the Town Planners Institute of India (ITPI) at a hotel in Dharamsala, Dharmani noted that successful planning models adopted by different states can help formulate practical and locally relevant urban development strategies.
The seminar specifically focused on sharing planning practices between Himachal Pradesh and Haryana. Officials and experts from both states presented their planning policies, implementation strategies and administrative experiences aimed at improving urban planning systems.
Learning from Haryana’s E-Governance Initiatives
Dharmani highlighted that Haryana’s initiatives in e-governance, planning procedures and administrative reforms offer valuable lessons that could be adapted to suit Himachal’s unique geographical and environmental conditions. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to promoting planned development by strengthening tourism infrastructure, urban amenities and basic civic facilities, while ensuring that environmental conservation and disaster risk reduction remain integral to the development process.
Disaster Risk Reduction and Sustainable Development
During the seminar, the Himachal Town and Country Planning Department made a detailed presentation on disaster risk reduction, resilient infrastructure and environmentally sustainable development. The presentation emphasised the importance of pursuing development in harmony with nature to ensure long-term sustainability and resilience.
Senior serving and retired chief town planners and state town planners also shared their professional experiences, highlighting challenges, innovations and achievements while guiding young planners and officers. The event served as a platform for knowledge exchange and capacity building among planning professionals.
