Himachal Pradesh Housing Project Controversy: Former Chief Secretary Responds to Allegations

Major Administrative Dispute in Himachal Pradesh

Munish Sood
Mandi

A notable administrative conflict has surfaced in Himachal Pradesh regarding the Chester Hills housing initiative in Solan. Former Chief Secretary and ex-RERA Chairman Shrikant Baldi has vehemently denied the accusations made by the current Chief Secretary, Sanjay Gupta. This escalating clash between two high-ranking officials has raised questions about the integrity and effectiveness of the state's administrative system.

Baldi Denies Allegations

In a comprehensive statement, Shrikant Baldi labeled the claims against him as unfounded and deceptive, suggesting that the current Chief Secretary is attempting to divert attention from his own administrative actions. He asserted that the ongoing dispute originates from two contentious orders issued by Sanjay Gupta.

Baldi warned that such public disputes among senior officials could negatively impact governance quality and the credibility of institutions.

Clarification on Project Oversight

Baldi clarified his involvement, stating that he inspected Phase-1 of the Chester Hills project nearly three years ago, alongside officials from the authority and the Town and Country Planning Department. He pointed out that subsequent phases had not yet commenced, eliminating any chance of irregularities during his administration.

He also highlighted that the registration process under the Real Estate Regulatory Authority (RERA) is conducted transparently and follows a systematic online procedure, with approvals granted only after meticulous examination of all necessary documents.

Concerns About Administrative Overreach

Baldi expressed serious concerns regarding what he termed procedural overreach. He alleged that findings of violations under Section 118, reportedly confirmed by the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Solan, were dismissed without proper authority. He noted that the state government later annulled the relevant order.

Additionally, he claimed that demolition actions initiated by the Solan Municipal Corporation against unauthorized constructions were interrupted through administrative intervention, despite the appellate authority lying with the District Judge.

RERA's Role and Actions

Defending his actions during his tenure, Baldi stated that no decisions were made in violation of regulations favoring the project. Instead, he mentioned that RERA had acted decisively upon receiving complaints, imposing a fine of ₹10 lakh on the developer.

He reiterated that RERA's responsibilities are confined to project registration, while land approvals and construction permissions are managed by other government entities.

Call for Review and Enforcement

Baldi urged the state government to enforce the provisions under Section 118 rigorously and called on the district administration in Solan to take necessary actions. He also suggested a review of the November 6, 2025 order, which he claims has hindered actions against alleged illegal constructions.

He emphasized the need for transparency and accountability through timely and fair enforcement.

Governance Concerns Amidst Escalating Dispute

The controversy, which reportedly began following an official communication from Chief Secretary Sanjay Gupta to the RERA Chairman, has escalated into a significant administrative standoff. The public nature of this dispute between two senior bureaucrats has raised broader concerns regarding governance and institutional coordination within the state.

As the situation becomes increasingly entangled in legal and administrative complexities, the Chester Hills project remains under close observation as the state government continues to track developments.