The rules governing real estate transactions in Himachal Pradesh,such as buying a flat or land transfer for developers and private builders,will now become more stringent. The state Assembly passed the Himachal Pradesh Apartment and Property Regulations (Amendment) Bill on Wednesday,with out any debate as the Opposition Congress sat quiet in the House,wearing black bands on their mouths,to protest against the registration of an FIR against a party MLA. The objective of the Bill,as claimed by the state,is to regulate construction of new colonies and property transactions,including sale and transfer of apartments. The government will now allow constructions only at designated areas so that these dont interfere with the ecology and environment. There have been,however,strong reactions to the imposition of restrictions. Those families who bought land in Shimla or elsewhere in the state two decades ago will find it difficult to undertake any construction activity. Others who desire to own a flat in Himachal Pradesh will also be at loss and find the new law a big hurdle. It will lead to corruption and give politicians an opportunity to favour the chosen ones, said Maninder Singh,a Delhi-based real estate developer. The government says such apprehensions are ill founded. The Bill has been drafted on the basis of recommendations finalised by a Cabinet sub-committee headed by Revenue Minister Gulab Singh Thakur and comprising Forest Minister J P Nadda,Health Minister Rajeev Bindal and Housing Minister Mohinder Singh. The Bill makes it mandatory for the promoters to strictly follow the norms of building rainwater harvesting systems,undertaking plantations,street lighting,scientific handling of garbage and safe disposal of the sullage water. The allottees will have to get permission from the government under Section 118 of the HP Tenancy and Land Reforms Act to own a flat,house or plot. Earlier,the revenue minister had said the government was clear that only barren and non-agricultural land would be allowed for construction of apartments and flats. No agriculture land will be diverted for housing projects.
