Shimla, May 4: In a first of its kind that’s generating buzz in business and real estate circles alike, Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu today on Sunday here announced plans for a 15-storey multi-level shopping mall and administrative complex in the Aanji area of Kusumpti, Shimla — potentially the tallest commercial building in the state.
The announcement came while inaugurating the Kagnadhar parking complex in New Shimla, where Sukhu pitched the mega tower as a "one-stop modern hub" offering everything from multi-brand shopping, food courts, and cafes to office spaces for government departments currently operating out of rented buildings.
"Why go all the way to Chandigarh when we can bring the same retail experience to Shimla?" Sukhu asked a cheering crowd, promising modern facilities, smart parking, and better civic access.
Dream Dressed as Development
As of now the HP High Court Building remains the tallest building in Shimla. Will proposed Biz Tower subdue majestic supremacy of the High Court Presence in the capital city?
Though the project is being keenly pursued by Panchayati Raj Minister Anirudh Singh, who also represents Kusumpti, its true intentions face public scrutiny.
Critics argue that this could be more than just a civic facility — it might also turn into a profitable business venture, given his interest in hospitality and real estate.
Opposition leaders and environmentalists have flagged the suddenness of the announcement. Business Tower has to go through the many hurdles and tests and need to have a a detailed project report (DPR), tendering process, or public consultation.
This could be a bold real estate experiment.
Shimla’s Past
Remember the Jethia Devi Modern Township floated by the previous BJP regime? It was a baby of then Minister Mahender Singh Thakur in the name of decongesting Shimla but quietly disappeared into an oblivion — only the land mafia benefits.
Will Aanji Business Tower suffer the same fate after a regime change, or will it rise into a model project for urban Shimla? This question is also doing rounds among the real estate circles.
For such a massive structure to materialise in Shimla, several mandatory clearances and planning conditions must be met:
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MoEFCC environmental clearance
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Disaster and seismic zone (Zone IV) safety approvals
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Town & Country Planning approval consider TCP Act does not allow the height above certain meters in the state
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Fire safety and Geological slope stability certification
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Public hearing under the EIA rules
Environmentalists have sounded the alarm.
"We’ve seen fancy mall ideas float, but very few make it past paperwork and courtrooms. Will this one really see the light of day?" asked a Shimla-based environment lawyer.
Public Divided: Excitement Meets Caution
While many citizens see potential relief in decongesting The Central hub and Mall Road there’s also anxiety that this could become another flashy plan.
Senior citizens complain that sealed roads and traffic jams make central Shimla inaccessible — a modern complex in Aanji could help, but big question is: Do Shimla Need Such Towers?
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