Shimla RERA raises concerns over setback rules near natural nallahs

The Himachal Pradesh Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) has formally raised objections to the current setback provisions that apply to building projects near natural watercourses in Shimla. RERA’s intervention comes as developers increasingly seek to build close to the city’s nallahs, prompting regulatory scrutiny.
Setback rules are intended to maintain a safe distance between structures and natural streams, thereby protecting floodplains, water quality and public safety. In Shimla, where many nallahs flow through densely populated areas, the adequacy of these buffers has become a focal point for the regulator.
RERA has called for a review of the existing guidelines, seeking clarification on whether the current distances are sufficient to mitigate environmental and safety risks. The authority’s query may lead to revisions in local building codes, affecting ongoing and future real‑estate projects in the hill capital.