Himachal government plans policy to help poor families in encroachment cases

Himachal Pradesh Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu has said that the state government is considering a new policy to provide relief to poor and landless families who have been living on government land for many years.

Speaking at a public event in Hamirpur, Sukhu said the government is studying Supreme Court guidelines related to encroachment cases before taking a decision.

Relief for residents

The chief minister said the government wants to make a decision that protects the interests of poor families. He added that officials are carefully examining legal provisions before finalising any policy.

Sukhu also announced that people living in areas recently added to the Hamirpur Municipal Corporation will not have to pay municipal taxes for the next five years.

During the visit, he laid the foundation stone of a new municipal corporation office building in Hamirpur, which will be built at a cost of around ₹19.4 crore. He also inaugurated new shops and a Rural Haat worth about ₹50 lakh to support small traders and women’s self-help groups.

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Development projects in Hamirpur

The chief minister said a new bus stand costing around ₹130 crore is being built in Hamirpur. He described it as the largest bus stand project in the state.

He also announced plans to redevelop the existing bus stand area into a modern City Centre at a cost of about ₹200 crore. The project will include shopping areas, entertainment facilities, parking spaces and other public services.

Sukhu assured that shopkeepers currently operating at the old bus stand would be given space either in the new City Centre or at another suitable location.

He added that five state-level offices of different government departments, boards and corporations have already been established in Hamirpur and several development projects have been approved for the town.

The chief minister also announced plans to create a suitable venue for Dussehra celebrations and other public events. He further promised improved facilities for street vendors in Hamirpur.