Seminar Highlights Need for Effective Policy Framework and Best Planning Practices for Sustainable Urban Development

Dharamshala, June 28, 2026: A one-day seminar on "Policy Framework and Planning Practices", organised by the Northern Chapter of the Institute of Town Planners, India (ITPI), was held on Sunday at the Radisson Blu Resort, Dharamshala. The seminar brought together urban planning experts, senior government officials, and policymakers to deliberate on sustainable and balanced urban development.
Addressing the gathering as the chief guest, Rajesh Dharmani, Himachal Pradesh Minister for Technical Education, Housing & Town Planning, and Vocational & Industrial Training, stressed the importance of adopting effective planning strategies and learning from the successful experiences of other states to ensure well-planned urban growth.
He said that the exchange of best planning practices enables states to develop practical and region-specific models for sustainable urban development. The seminar, he added, was primarily aimed at facilitating the sharing of planning policies and implementation experiences between Himachal Pradesh and Haryana, allowing both states to benefit from each other's expertise.
Dharmani noted that officials and planning experts from the two states presented their policies, planning frameworks, and implementation experiences, resulting in several valuable recommendations for strengthening urban planning systems. He said Himachal Pradesh gained significant insights into Haryana's e-governance initiatives, planning procedures, and administrative mechanisms. These practices would be examined for possible adoption after suitable modifications in accordance with Himachal Pradesh's unique geographical and environmental conditions.
The minister further said that the state government is committed to promoting tourism, strengthening infrastructure, and improving urban amenities through planned development. He emphasised that environmental conservation and disaster risk reduction must remain integral components of every development project to ensure sustainable and resilient growth.
During the seminar, the Town and Country Planning Department of Himachal Pradesh made a detailed presentation on disaster risk reduction, the development of safe and sustainable infrastructure, and eco-friendly planning models. The presentation highlighted that development in harmony with nature is essential for achieving long-term sustainability and resilience.
Among those present were Chief Town Planner Raj Kumar Singh; Chairman, ITPI Haryana Regional Chapter (Panchkula), Sanjay Kumar; HPRC Secretary Rasik Sharma; Treasurer Pankaj Sharma; members Kuldeep Kumar, A.R. Sankhyan, A.N. Gautam, Hitesh Sharma, Arvind Dul, Lalit Kumar, Dhirendra Singh, Vijay Kumar, and other senior officials, planning experts, and dignitaries.