Even though environmentalists and heritage lovers are opposed to lifting of the ban on construction in the green areas of the town, pressure is being mounted on the government to give some relaxation. Though formally only 37 representatives have been made to the Department of Town and Country Planning but it is learnt that almost 700 persons owning plots in the green areas are affected by the ban, As per a revenue exercise undertaken in March, the total green area in Shimla was 414 hectares is open area. The government owns 124 hectares and the remaining 26 hectares is with individuals.