Banjar Panchayats Take a Stand: No More Unchecked Tourism, No More Chaos.  But only Eco-friendly Tourism...

BANJAR(KULLU)/SHIMLA: For the first time in Himachal, panchayats have taken charge. No more reckless construction. No more rivers choked with filth. No more Dev Samaaj traditions trampled by blind tourism.

Four Gram Panchayats—Sarchi, Kalwari, Khadagad, and Sajwaad—have drawn the line. They have passed a Model Construction Regulation Plan under the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act.

It comes into effect in April 2025. And this time, it’s not just a piece of paper. It’s action.

A Wake-Up Call After the 2023 Disaster

Himachal’s valleys have suffered enough. The 2023 monsoon disaster was a brutal lesson. Landslides, floods, and collapsed buildings exposed the ugly truth—unplanned construction is a ticking time bomb. Banjar’s panchayats have learned. Others haven’t.

This model plan is also a direct response to the Himachal High Court’s 2023 order (Kusum Bali vs. State of HP).

The court was blunt—stop the madness. Stop the random, dangerous construction. Authorities were scolded. But did they listen?

Tourism or Destruction? Panchayats Choose Wisely

Tirthan and Jibhi valleys are on the brink. Construction is spreading like cancer. Hotels and resorts dump waste into the rivers.

Riverbeds are being encroached upon. Tirthan River, once pristine habitats for its fresh water trout, is turning into a sewage drain.

A controversial commercial building near the Great Himalayan National Park (GHNP) office in Shairopa is the latest flashpoint.

Locals are furious. Protests have erupted. But the question remains—will the administration wake up before it’s too late?

Dev Samaaj Speaks: Stop Trampling Our Sacred Lands

This fight isn’t just about the environment. It’s about culture, faith, and identity.

The Dev Samaaj traditions are sacred in Banjar.

But unchecked tourism is destroying the very rivers, forests, and shrines that define these beliefs.

Padam Singh, senior advisor to the Sojha Tourism Development Committee, is clear:

"This is the first time in Himachal that panchayats have united against unregulated construction. This model plan is a game changer."

Former Sarchi Gram Pradhan Hari Singh Thakur warns:

"This land is fragile. The GHNP eco-zone is sensitive. If we allow reckless construction, we will lose everything—our nature, our tourism, our future."

A Showdown with TCP? Panchayats Ready for the Fight

There’s another battle brewing. The Town and Country Planning (TCP) department has a history of clipping panchayats’ powers.

People fear TCP will try to dilute these new regulations. But Banjar’s panchayats are not backing down.

Panchayat Samiti President Lata Devi, along with Sarchi GP’s Rameshwari Thakur, Sajwaad GP’s Kumari Neelam, Khadagad GP’s Poonam Verma, and Kalwari GP’s Prem Lata, have taken charge. They won’t let TCP bulldoze their authority.

A Movement That Won’t Stop

This isn’t new. Back in 2021, 12 panchayats in Jibhi-Tirthan valley had passed a Vision Document.

The demand was clear—sustainable, culturally sensitive tourism. That vision is now turning into real action.

Rajender Chauhan, director of SAHARA NGO, says it straight:

"This is about our rivers. Our land. Our way of life. If we don’t act now, we will lose it all."

The Big Question: Will the Government Support or Sabotage?

Banjar’s panchayats have done what the administration failed to do. They’ve set a precedent.

Now, the government has a choice—support the people, or stand with the builders and resort mafias.

One thing is clear. Banjar has spoken. No more destruction in the name of tourism. This time, the people will decide.Office of Gram Panchayat Sharachi

Vision Document cum Model Plan for 

This Vision Document cum Model Plan has been passed by the Gram Sabha as the next version of the previously approved Gram Sabha resolution (Resolution No. 05) dated 09.12.2021.

Vision Document

Our region is blessed with immense tourism potential, with different valleys having established their own unique identities.

A sacred river unites the entire region, symbolizing harmony.

The people of this area have historically opposed the construction of small-scale hydroelectric projects on the Tirthan River and its tributaries, ensuring that the region remains a renowned tourism destination.

For this reason, the entire area is designated as the "Integrated Tirthan Region." The name Tirthan has become a brand, representing various valleys such as Jibhi Valley, Kothi Chehni, and Khal Valley.

The ecology of this region is unique, and the Tirthan River plays a significant role in local religious and cultural traditions.

Therefore, the people of the area are committed to preserving the river.

Recognizing the cultural and natural richness of the region, the Gram Sabha has unanimously decided that tourism development and infrastructure construction will be carried out directly by the Gram Sabhas, in coordination with the relevant departments.

The resolutions passed by the Gram Sabhas will be implemented throughout the Integrated Tirthan Region, ensuring that tourism development aligns with the aspirations of local people and benefits future generations.

The distinctive mountain culture and traditional way of life in this area should be preserved.

Tourists visiting the region appreciate the local architecture, such as Kathkuni-style houses, traditional cuisine, and natural water sources.

The participation of local communities is crucial in maintaining this unique identity.

Therefore, the Gram Panchayat Sharachi has made necessary amendments to the Vision Document originally passed on 09.12.2021 (Resolution No. 05).

The decision taken by the informed public of the region focuses on sustainable and community-driven tourism while respecting the rights and laws of every Indian citizen.

The region is home to The Great Himalayan National Park (a UNESCO World Heritage Site) and the sacred Tirthan River, famous worldwide for its trout fish.

The people of the area hold deep respect for the Tirthan River, Serolsar Lake, Bahu, Jalori Pass, and local deities.

The source of the Tirthan River is a sacred site, and local deities themselves protect the forests and wildlife.

A specific region known as Dolha Bhandar is rich in medicinal plants, trees, and diverse biodiversity.

The traditional Himalayan culture and local deity traditions are deeply connected to the unpolluted flow of the Tirthan River.

Hence, the people of this region have decided to develop the Tirthan Valley as a model for world-class eco-tourism, ensuring that local people benefit from tourism without harming the culture.

Sustainable tourism, along with horticulture, will provide long-term livelihood opportunities for locals.

Implementation Plan

According to Sections 14 and 13(h) of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, the Gram Panchayat Sharachi has the authority to approve and implement construction projects as per the model plan approved by the Gram Sabha.

The key points of the model plan are:

1. Community-Based Tourism Development:

Gram Panchayat Sharachi, along with other panchayats of the Tirthan Region, will focus on sustainable tourism development to benefit local people.

Tourism will be developed in a way that maximizes benefits for locals while ensuring environmental conservation.

2. Eco-Tourism Model:

The region will promote eco-tourism by preserving natural resources, forests, lakes, and the sacred Tirthan River.

The emphasis will be on traditional architecture, local culture, and sustainable tourism practices.

3. Construction and Infrastructure Development:

Any construction work in the area will follow the model plan approved by the Gram Sabha.

Tourism-related infrastructure will be built with environmentally friendly materials and local architectural designs.

4. Regulation of Tourism Activities:

All tourism-related activities will be monitored by local panchayats to ensure responsible tourism.

Over-commercialization and unsustainable tourism practices will be strictly prohibited.

5. Community Participation and Livelihood Opportunities:

Local communities will be actively involved in decision-making and tourism management.

Sustainable tourism will create employment.

The people of the Tirthan Region are committed to developing their homeland as a global example of eco-tourism.

By preserving the sacred Tirthan River, local forests, lakes, and cultural heritage, the community aims to establish a sustainable tourism model.

This plan ensures that tourism remains beneficial for local people for generations, maintaining the traditional Himalayan culture and sustainable way of life.