Jaipur: The principal seat of Rajasthan High Court at Jodhpur has sought a detailed status report from the state govt on steps taken to implement Centre’s Standardised Development and Building Regulations, 2023 in cities in hilly and ecologically sensitive areas, including those around lakes.A division bench of Acting Chief Justice Sanjeev Prakash Sharma and Justice Sanjeet Purohit issued the direction on Aug 6 while hearing three connected petitions, including Lake Conservation Committee. The matter also involves petitions concerning Basant Hotels Pvt Ltd and Udaipur Chamber of Commerce.During the hearing, senior advocate M S Singhi drew the court’s attention to the Standardized Development and Building Regulations, 2023. The regulations have been framed at national level to bring greater uniformity and modernise building and development norms.Taking note of the submissions, the bench asked the state govt to explain what steps it had taken so far to adopt the regulations for cities falling in hilly areas, especially Udaipur. It also asked the govt how the norms were proposed to be adapted to local geographical and developmental conditions.The court directed Additional Advocate General to give a comprehensive status report at next hearing. The report is expected to detail the action taken by state.The court was also informed that the standards contain specific provisions for geographically sensitive areas such as hill and coastal regions. The issue assumes significance for Rajasthan, where cities such as Udaipur and other areas with hilly terrain and lakes face specific challenges related to construction, environmental protection and urban development.The matter has been listed for Aug 18.
