Environment
Forest Department and the MC Shimla playing the blame game on DLF Sama Tara Luxury Villa project
HW had submitted a complaint asking the Forest Department about their role in the DLF Sama Tara Luxury Villa Project, where thousand of Deodar trees were chopped down without any objection from the present government and opposition. HW had also published an article on the same issue that received a huge response from the readers, and even comments from the Mayor and the Deputy Mayor of the Shimla District. (Check the complete article, comments, images and videos)
Here is what we have received as a response to our complaint.
The Forest Department denied the responsibility and puts it on MC Shimla with the following directions:
Please go through the application and take appropriate action under the intimation to quarters concerned. Shimla Forest Circle (FOR), KEHAR SINGH THAKUR, Conservator Of Forests Jul 6 2012 1:18PM In Progress
The MC Shimla further forwarded the complaint to the DFO M.C Shimla saying:
The Demand has been forwarded vide Dy. No. 726/e-gov/12 dated 07-07-2012 to the DFO, M.C. Shimla for further necessary action in the matter.
What sounds more ridiculous is that Forest Department has forwarded the complaint to the MC Shimla, asking to take the responsibility. Well, on the same story published on the HW on 27/06/2012, the Deputy Mayor of Shimla, Tikkender Verma, had left a comment saying:
There is already a writ pending in the high court challenging the illegal construction. interestingly the forest department too is saving the the construction company.
While the Deputy Mayor blamed the Forest Department for supporting the builder and the government by assisting them, the Forest Department held the MC Shimla responsible. What we could make out of these responses is that either our government departments are not clear who is actually responsible or both of them are trying to confuse the public so that the matter could be complicated. Otherwise, why the MC Shimla, which blamed the Forest department earlier, has now accepted the reply from the Forest Department and forwarded it to the DFO MC Shimla?
Sanjay Chauhan, the present mayor of the Shimla district, commented on the same story with the following words:
This clearly reflects the nexus between politicians, officers and big business. Where even law of land could not work. This needs to be fought by people’s power. Unite and fight to break this nexus.
The project involves of huge real estate tycoons, DFL and Robert Vadhera, who is a partner with DFL and the son-in-law of Sonia Gandhi, the president of Indian National Congress. A few rich and powerful men make our government dance on their notes and the Indian politicians as well as the government departments sell their soul for the pieces of bribe thrown at them. The government and the representatives elected by the public have become aristocrats, dealing only with those who stands in the same class. The public is the last priority. Most of the policies are prepared only if that involves any interest of the huge private firms or political personalities. The 2G Scam, the CAG report on the scam of $33 billions in the allotment of the coal mines, and the loss of almost 8 crore to the government in recent parliamentary session speaks it all.
However, the public and the government, both should mind one thing that deforestation, which is rapidly taking place in our state, would destroy the beauty and the peace for which it’s famous. The nature does not distinguish between the rich and poor, the common and the VIPs, but the wrath of climate change would punish the whole humanity equally for the imbalance. The state government has already given green line to many projects involving the clearing of hundreds of trees.Even the public is contributing its part in the process.
Therefore, HW again requests to all the citizens and the government not to behave in an ignorant manner towards the environmental issues. Please put efforts to preserve the greenery and the beauty of our state instead of promoting deforestation. Just Writing ‘Save Trees’ on the billboards to promote the political parties won’t do, we need to implement it.
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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