The meeting of State Cabinet was held here today under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur where detailed discussions were held regarding Covid-19 situation in the State. It decided to recommend the cancellation of the winter session of H.P. Vidhan Sabha slated at Dharamshala from 7th December to 11th December, 2020 in the wake of increase in Covid-19 cases in the State and restrictions imposed on gatherings.
The Cabinet decided that all the Ministers, MPs, MLAs would not hold any public functions and hold virtual functions by strictly adhering to the SOPs issued by the State Government from time to time. It decided that for all the social gatherings such as marriages, birthday parties, mundans etc. permission of local SDM would be mandatory and Executive Magistrates would be mandated to effectively enforce the SOPs.
It also decided that containment zones would be strictly enforced to break the chain of virus. Random sampling would be done to identify affected persons at early stage to avoid further transmission. It decided that all the Ministers would ensure effective implementation of Him Surksha campaign in their assigned districts. They would also ensure effective steps to contain Covid-19 cases at all levels including reviewing arrangements in medical institutions etc. It decided that Mahila Mandals would also be co-opted into Him Surksha Campaign and anti-Covid-19 campaign. Young volunteers would also be involved in the campaign to carry the message of safety regarding Covid-19.
It also gave its approval to rename Government Degree College Lilh Kothi in Chamba district as Government New Model Degree College Lilh Kothi as foundation stone of this college was virtually laid by the Prime Minister..
The cabinet also decided to create Atal Tunnel Security Unit in the strength of Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti district Police Establishments for security and other matters related to Atal Tunnel Rohtang. It was decided to create 64 posts of different categories, 32 each in Kullu and Lahaul-Spiti district. Each Security Unit would be provided two 4×4 wheel drive vehicles and a motor cycle for effective traffic management and security policing
In order to meet the increasing parking requirement and ensure smooth flow of traffic on all major roads of the towns in Himachal Pradesh, the Cabinet decided to make a provision for open to sky parking in the Himachal Pradesh Town & Country Planning Rules, 2014. Under this provision for all buildings located on valley side or hill sides of the roads and having minimum clear setback of 2 meters within the plot, after controlled width / retaining wall and having clear access from the road, open to sky parking (uncovered and parallel to the building) on 50 percent frontage of such setback shall be permissible. In case of buildings on valley side, owners would be allowed to construct temporary steel frame structure / ramp on 50% frontage of such setback for open to sky parking.
The temporary parking platform so proposed should see through / perforated / meshed (not solid sheet) in order to have sufficient gaps / spaces for light and ventilation and should not obstruct any disaster management efforts and smooth flow of traffic on the abutting road and should be duly certified by a registered Structural Engineer.
