Shimla, Aug. 29 -- The Himachal Pradesh government is working on a framework under which panchayats could prepare separate development and construction plans based on their local geographical and disaster risks, Revenue, Horticulture and Tribal Development Minister and Kinnaur MLA Jagat Singh Negi said on Saturday.

The proposed Model Panchayat concept is aimed at preventing unplanned construction near rivers, streams and natural drainage channels while allowing local bodies to frame development rules according to the specific risks of their areas.

Negi said a Cabinet sub-committee examining unplanned construction near rivers and drainage channels had held several meetings and submitted recommendations to the government.

Speaking to ANI...