Governance and Urban Sprawl: A Case Study of Regulatory Compliance and Administrative Capacity in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh

Urban sprawl has emerged as a critical governance challenge across developing nations, particularly in ecologically sensitive regions such as the Indian Himalayas. Shimla, the historic hill capital of Himachal Pradesh, has experienced rapid spatial expansion characterised by unauthorised constructions, inadequate regulatory oversight, and persistent strain on municipal services. This study examines the interplay between governance structures, regulatory compliance, and administrative capacity in managing urban growth in Shimla. Adopting a mixed-methods design, the research integrates primary data from household surveys, interviews with municipal officials, and focus group discussions with community representatives, alongside secondary analysis of policy documents, court judgements, and planning reports. The findings reveal a multi-layered governance deficit: fragmented institutional mandates, limited enforcement capacity within the Shimla Municipal Corporation, and political patronage that perpetuates non-compliance. Survey results indicate that 67% of respondents perceive building regulations as inconsistently applied, while 54% link water shortages to unchecked construction. The study situates Shimla’s experience within broader theories of urban governance, institutional capacity, and regulatory enforcement. It argues for strengthening inter-departmental coordination, digital monitoring of land use, and participatory planning mechanisms to address the enforcement deficit. The research contributes to public administration scholarship by illustrating how urban sprawl in fragile geographies reflects deeper questions of institutional resilience and state capacity.