Environment
Hotel owner chops off the head of the tree without provoking any legal action
Even after the complaint, submitted with visual confirmations, the DFO MC Shimla turned a blind eye to the issue
A couple of weeks ago, a HW reader noticed a man chopping the upper part of the trunk of a tree inside the premises of the Meridian Hotel near Convent School Tarahall in Shimla, and captured the incident in photographs,quickly using the mobile camera. The reader sent us the photographs with a request to confirm whether the hotel owner was granted the permission to perform the mentioned act by the DFO MC Shimla, if not, then appropriate action and penalties, defined by the law, must be imposed on the violator.Therefore, HW mailed the DFO MC Shimla and the owner of the Meridian Hotel for the confirmation of the status on our query. We received no reply or response from any of the two parties, rather the complaint was ignored inspite of the fact that harming even a single tree without prior permission and relevant cause is liable to punishment and penalties.
It sounds like, both parties have settled the matter already at a personal level ,so that the facts could be concealed. If not so, then they should have, at least, responded to the efforts of a citizen to throw light on the violation of rules regarding a very sensitive matter. The environment is something that we all share, and imbalances in the ecology, deforestation and climate change would do equal harm to everyone without any regard to the wealth and influence of any VIP. Shimla has already lost a great number of trees due to the ignorance of the government towards the urgent need of taking appropriate measures to sustain the environment. Himachal is still beautiful and Shimla is still the queen of the hills wearing a green crown. Even a little ignorance on the part of both, the government and the public, can result in a great damage to the environment. The issue of climate change does not remain confined to any particular class, rather its fatal for all life forms on the earth. Moral and ethical values hold more power than that enforced by the man made laws. HW again request to all the members of our society and the citizens of Himachal to co-operate with the system and understand the value of their moral duties, which our society seems to ignore most of the times.
HW would again send a complaint to the concerned department and to the hotel owner, but would also expect a contribution from our readers and members in our effort to spread the message among the rest of the society. Especially, the educated group using social media websites. HW Community seeks to provide a common platform for all the members of our society through the World Wide Web. The issue might appear to be minute and common for most of you, but the reaction of the readers through their intelligent comments and suggestion does play a role in the enlightenment of the ignorant public and government. We took an initiative to contribute our share of duties and now, maybe it’s your turn to decide whether you want to take part in it or turn a blind eye and stand aside.
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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