The Himachal Pradesh Government has frozen all land use in the picturesque Sangla-Kamru valley of tribal Kinnaur district in a major move aimed at checking unregulated tourism-driven construction and protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The decision was approved during the state Cabinet meeting held on May 22, bringing all future development activity in the valley under stricter regulation through the Town and Country Planning (TCP) Act, 1977.
With the Cabinet’s approval, construction activities in Sangla valley will now be monitored and regulated under the provisions of the TCP Act to curb haphazard urbanisation and preserve the region’s natural and cultural heritage. The move comes amid growing concerns over rapid and largely unchecked construction of hotels, homestays and tourism-related infrastructure in one of Himachal’s most ecologically sensitive and visually stunning regions.
The government has also strengthened the role of the Special Area Development Authority (SADA), which had earlier been constituted for the region. Sangla-Kamru was declared a Special Area on March 6, 2017, and SADA was created to regulate planned development. However, despite the formation of the authority, construction activity in the valley continued almost unchecked over the years.
Officials believe the latest decision will enable government agencies to effectively regulate development, streamline tourism infrastructure and prevent further damage to the pristine landscape of the Baspa valley. The region has witnessed a sharp rise in tourist footfall over the past few years, resulting in mounting pressure on local resources, traditional architecture and the environment.
The Sangla-Kamru-Chitkul belt holds immense tourism, ecological and historical significance. Kamru village is home to the ancient Kamru Fort, once the seat of the Bushahar princely estate, besides revered temples dedicated to Goddess Kamakhya and local deity Badrinath. Sangla has also emerged as a major attraction during festivals such as Holi and Phulaich, drawing visitors from across the country eager to experience the unique tribal culture and Himalayan landscape.
Nearby Chitkul, the last inhabited village on the Indian side near the India-China border, has also seen unprecedented tourism growth. Similar trends are visible across Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti, where increasing tourist arrivals and unregulated construction are threatening the ecological balance and cultural identity of these fragile tribal regions.
