Garhwal Post Bureau
Dehradun, 9 Jan: A project presentation, titled “A Study on Socio-Ecological Changes and Urban Planning Issues of Simalti–Binta, Panuanaula and Almora Region of Uttarakhand”, was held at the Doon Library, here, today. The event was jointly organised by Uttarakhand Sewa Nidhi Pariyavaran Shiksha Sansthan, Almora, and DIT University Dehradun.
The presentation showcased the findings of a comprehensive technical study that serves as a Vision Statement for new and emerging settlements in the Almora region, including Simalti–Binta and Panuanaula. The study addresses pressing challenges facing Himalayan hill settlements— architecture, fragile ecology, water stress, slope instability, infrastructure deficits, traffic congestion, pollution, and the erosion of traditional, climate-responsive building practices—while proposing terrain-led, decentralised and community-centric solutions.
Dr Ashutosh Joshi, Professor and Head, Planning, DIT University, delivered the keynote address, highlighting the urgency of adopting ecologically sensitive and climate-resilient planning approaches for Uttarakhand’s hill towns. He emphasised that conventional plains-based urban models have proven inadequate in mountainous contexts and called for design and planning frameworks aligned with local topography, climate and culture.
Dr Akhilesh Kumar, Associate Professor, Department of Architecture and Planning, DIT University, Dehradun, underscored the need to strengthen physical infrastructure with special focus on drainage, water supply, solid waste management and sewage disposal, noting their direct linkage to slope safety, public health and environmental protection in hill areas.
Kunuku Tamogana, Assistant Professor, Department of Architecture and Planning, DIT University, spoke on hybrid architectural construction practices, advocating a balanced integration of vernacular wisdom with modern engineering to ensure safety, seismic resilience and climatic comfort.
Sharing decades of experience on the region’s social fabric, Dr Lalit Pande, Chairman, Uttarakhand Sewa Nidhi Paryavaran Shiksha Sansthan, Almora, highlighted the importance of socio-cultural continuity and community participation in sustainable hill development. Dr Ajay Garola stressed the adoption of integrated, specialised construction technologies and planning systems tailored to Himalayan conditions.
Present were former Chief Secretary, Uttarakhand Indu Kumar Pande, Vibha Puri Das, Dr Pankaj Naithani and Chandrashekhar Tewari among other academics, professionals and stakeholders.
The organisers expressed confidence that the study will serve as a valuable reference
for planners, architects, engineers, policymakers and local authorities, contributing meaningfully to the creation of safe, resilient and culturally rooted hill settlements across Uttarakhand and the wider Himalayan region.
