A concrete structure coming up in the Chaugan area of Chamba.

Lalit Mohan

Tribune News Service

Chamba, December 11

Residents are up in arms against the raising of structures in the Chamba Chaugan area here. The area was declared a heritage zone by the state in 1995, so no construction can be undertaken in the Chaugan area.

Kangra painting artist and Padma Shri awardee Vijay Sharma says the administration had earlier tried to raise tin sheds in the area using funds provided by the National Hydro Power Corporation (NHPC). The construction was pulled down after prominent citizens objected to that.

Chamba chaugan

Chamba Chaugan was declared a heritage zone in 1995
No construction can be undertaken in the protected area
The DC said the work to refurbish an old sitting area was stopped as soon as the matter was brought to his notice

Now, work has been started to raise concrete pillars in the area. The work should be stopped immediately as it is against norms, he says.

Deputy Commissioner DC Rana, however, said an old sitting area was being refurbished. However, the work was stopped after some people brought the construction to his notice, he said. “We shall abide by orders of the Himachal High Court in the matter,” he said.

Vijay Sharma says much damage has already been done to the local heritage. Akhand Chandi Palace, given to Chamba medical college, has been concretised by the authorities, causing permanent damage to ancient heritage.

A concrete pavement built by the NHPC in the Chaugan area under the Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) was demolished in the recent past following intervention by the Chief Secretary, sources say.