Environment
Himalayan Ski Village in Manali : A boon for tourism industry or an ecological blunder?
Huge projects such as the Himalayan Ski Village in Manali, are likely to boost the development of tourism industry in Himachal, but might result in ecological disaster.
On June 5, 2006, then chief minister of Himachal Pradesh, signed an implementation agreement involving the $350 million Himalayan Ski Village on a 94 hectare area in Kullu district, promoted by Alfred Ford, American business tycoon and great-grandson of well-known Henry Ford. The approval of the agreement later in 2007 was challenged by BJP government and resulted in a delay of four and a half years. The approval was challenged on environmental grounds and issues related to the effect of the project on the local population and resources. An appeal was made in the High Court to seek the cancellation of the project.
It was the part of the vendetta between the party in power and the opposition. The cancellation of the proposed establishment worth Rs. 16,00 crore would have been a great blow to the rivals. However, High Court gave green light to resume the work on the project, passed during the reign of Congress. High Court recently annulled the show cause notice served for cancelling by the State government.
The judgment by Justice Rajiv Sharma said:
“It is duly established that the state government had already made up its mind to cancel the project and the issuance of notice based on the recommendations of the (state’s high-power) committee was merely a ritual. Even previously, Former Tourism Minister GS Bali has blamed BJP government for creating hurdles without any factual grounds”
The delay in the project was causing an annual loss of Rs.30-50 crore to the state government. The development of the project is being rated high in the global tourism market and the Himalyan Ski resort would put Manali among one of the best ski resort in the world. Even it’s been considered as an alternative to ski resorts of Swiss alps.
The investor had insured that the project involves no environmental impact, rather it would create lively hood for 4000 people and 70% of which would include local residents, which is considered a cunning temptation to gain the trust of the local residents. The DFL Luxury Villas in Shimla has already axed hundreds of trees; a few more like the new complex of Irrigation and Public Health Headquarters on Shimla bye-pass road waiting for opportunities to kill some more. Considering the impact of the construction over natural resources and environment, the luxury ski resort project can lead to exploitation of the local resources on the name of development of tourism industry. Out of total 96 hectare, 78 hectare land is acquired from private owners. Even the local folks are opposing the project on religious grounds.
Even in terms of pollution, the location of the project doesn’t seem to be considered appropriately. Manali is already facing environmental problems due to rapid construction of concrete structure such as hotels/resorts to accommodate huge number of tourists, increasing traffic and pollution. Hydropower projects like the Parbati and Allian Duhangan have also altered the landscape of the region. It’s very hard to consider that no tree would be axed to build such an huge exotic tourist spot that includes 670 room hotel and 132 chalets. You can read the detailed information on the project here including its impacts on local residents, resources and environment. Also, an article on Tehelka titled, ‘A Himalayan Blunder?’ is worth a read.
Moreover, Himachal Pradesh has grabbed great attention from both state and center government as a potential tourism industry. To exploit the full potential, the government is working on transportation infrastructure that would reduce the traffic problem, reduce the traveling cost and time. Two of these huge projects include a 390 miles Bilaspur–Mandi–Leh railway, which will snatch the title of being world’s highest railway track from China’s Qinghai–Tibet Railway with an estimated budgets of Rs 22,831 crore and the 84.380 kms long four-lane project on NH 21 in Himachal worth Rs 2356.20 crore.
After the completion of these two projects, Kullu-Manali would receive maximum benefits as an tourist spot in Himachal. That means more crowds to the region. Each addition, in terms of vehicles and number of tourist visiting Kullu-Manali, means a proportional increase in the carbon footprint. Most of us must be familiar with the phenomenon known as climate change, and if not, then you better be, because in developed countries, climate change, emissions, deforestation, water and energy saving practices are getting a serious concerns from both, the government and citizens.
We know about billions of dollars being spent on the development of tourism industry and transportation in the targeted areas of Himachal, but somewhere that sounds like overexploiting the natural resources, which would eventually lead to the destruction of natural beauty, greenery and pleasant climate, which presently tempts tourists from all over the globe.
Tourism, no doubt, is a major source of revenue for the state, but over exploitation of resources, especially by selling forest and agricultural lands to private investors would cost a lot in terms of ecology. It’s a great step to develop tourist industry in Himachal, but it would be a fatal mistake to encourage deforestation and excess construction.
Environment
Shimla: Retaining Wall Collapses During Four-Lane Construction, Residents Flee Homes to Save Lives
SHIMLA | 3 July 2025 –A major mishap occurred in the Lindi Dhar village of Shimla district during the ongoing four-lane highway construction, raising fresh concerns over safety and construction quality. A retaining wall, constructed as part of the project, collapsed once again—posing a serious threat to nearby homes and destroying hundreds of apple trees.
According to local residents, this is not the first time the wall has caved in. Despite previous incidents, authorities failed to take adequate corrective measures. The latest collapse forced several families to abandon their homes for safety, fearing further landslides and structural damage.
Villagers have accused the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its contractors of negligence. They allege that no proper safety precautions were taken in the construction process, even though the area is known to be vulnerable to landslides.
“This wall had collapsed earlier too, but no permanent solution was provided. Now, we are facing the same threat again. Our lives and properties are at constant risk,” said a local resident.
The landslide also damaged a large number of apple orchards—adding to the losses of local farmers who depend on horticulture for their livelihood.
Residents have demanded immediate intervention from the administration and strict action against those responsible for the substandard construction. They have also urged NHAI to put in place robust safety measures to prevent such incidents in the future.
Local officials have visited the site, and further assessment is awaited.
Environment
Police Complaint Alleges Criminal Negligence in Four-Lane Highway Project Between Parwanoo and Solan
Solan | 30 June 2025 – A police complaint has been filed at the Parwanoo Police Station in Solan district, alleging criminal negligence and environmental damage in the construction of the four-lane highway between Parwanoo and Solan. The complaint, submitted by former Deputy Mayor of Shimla Tikender Singh Panwar, accuses the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and its executing contractor, G R Infraprojects Limited, of serious lapses that have endangered lives, property, and the natural ecosystem.
According to the complaint, NHAI officials based at the Chakkar office in Shimla, along with planning teams at Rishikesh Sadan, Shanti Kutia, and the executing agency G R Infra, with its corporate office in Sector 18, Gurugram, failed in their duty to ensure minimal damage to the hilly terrain. It is alleged that the project was undertaken without proper consultation with the Geological Department, resulting in a project report that is “completely erroneous.”
Panwar contends that the design and method of slope cutting are fundamentally flawed, driven by ill-conceived ideas and profit motives.
“Instead of cutting the hills at a slope, the excavation has been done vertically,” the complaint states, warning that this approach poses a permanent threat to residents living near the construction site.
The complaint further highlights that since the beginning of the construction, there have been recurring losses of life and property, which the complainant attributes directly to unsafe and irresponsible construction practices.
Significantly, the complaint raises concerns about possible collusion between NHAI and GR Infra, and urges law enforcement to determine whether the negligence was circumstantial or the result of deliberate wrongdoing.
Panwar has demanded that both NHAI and G R Infraprojects Limited be held criminally liable and subjected to legal proceedings under relevant provisions.
As of now, neither NHAI nor G R Infra has issued an official response.
Environment
Himachal Bans Small PET Bottle, Rs 5,000 Fine on Littering of Single-Use Plastics, Compostable Bags
Shimla, May 27, 2025 – Small PET bottles (up to 500 ml) are littering Himachal Pradesh’s hills, forests, and water bodies, threatening its fragile ecosystem.
Ban on Small PET Bottles
Under the HP Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995, the state has banned these bottles in all government-organized indoor meetings, conferences, and events, effective June 1, 2025.
Impact on Hotels
The ban extends to HPTDC and private hotels, which must switch to glass bottles or steel water dispensers. A grace period allows clearing existing stocks to avoid financial losses.
Fines for Littering
A Rs 5,000 fine targets littering of single-use plastics, including compostable bags, by individuals, hotels, restaurants, and other institutions.
Mandatory Car Bins
From April 29, 2025, all taxis and public transport vehicles, including HRTC buses, must install ‘car bins’ for waste collection.
Enforcement Measures
Regional Transport Officers and Motor Vehicle Inspectors will verify bins during vehicle registration. Non-compliance incurs a Rs 10,000 fine, with Rs 1,500 for littering biodegradable waste.
Awareness Campaigns
Government bodies will conduct awareness campaigns to discourage small PET bottle use and promote sustainable practices.
Challenges
Himachal’s ban on small PET bottles and vehicle littering targets plastic pollution but faces challenges. Past bans faltered due to weak enforcement, especially in rural and tourist areas.
Small businesses may struggle with costly alternatives like glass or steel containers. Tourists, a major litter source, need better awareness. The car bin mandate requires rigorous monitoring to ensure compliance. Without robust recycling systems and public cooperation, the ban risks limited impact. Subsidizing eco-friendly options and strengthening enforcement are critical to protect Himachal’s ecosystem effectively.
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