Environment
Natural pollinators – It’s time we respect and maintain harmony with our little friends
The alarming rate of decline in the population of natural pollinators such as birds, bees, beetles, bats butterfly, could result in a great loss to food crops and other plant species all over the globe.
In this regard, the greatest of all scientists, Albert Einstein, put the importance of natural pollinators in the following words:
“If the pollinators disappeared off the surface of the globe, mankind would only have a few years left to live: no more bees, no more pollination, no more crops, no more animals, no more men.”
Pollinators are our friends; conserve them says ‘Dr VK Mattu from department of Bio Sciences, Himachal Pradesh University recognized for his valuable contributions’ in the field of bio sciences (Zoology), was regarded in the National Seminar on climate change & impact on biological community by the Indian Academy of Environmental sciences. In particular he is conferred gold medal for his findings to the cause of insect bio diversity, ecology & behavioral studies in particular.
His studies started to revolve around “Pollinators”. It says over 75% of the major world crops and 80% of all flowering plant species rely on animal pollinators of which 73% are bees & 19% flies and the rest are bats, beetles, birds, butterflies & moths.
Pollination is an essential ecosystem service that enables plant reproduction and food production for humans and animals. Food security, food diversity, human nutrition and food prices all rely strongly on animal pollinators. Along with providing an essential service to human populations, pollinators also have a key role in helping nature to adjust to external threats such as climate change.
Therefore, we must ensure that our native and managed pollinator population is maintained and protected.” He says
Birds, bees, bats and other species that pollinate plants life are declining at alarming rate which has threatened the existence of plant life and this downward trend could damage dozens of commercially important crops. He defines it as one form of global change that actually has credible potential to alter the shape and structure of terrestrial ecosystems and one indicator of the decline in natural insect pollinators is decreasing crop yields and quality despite necessary agronomic inputs.
Aesthetically pleasing butterfly species showed nearly a 40% decline in species diversity in California in three decades. Moths which are important pollinators in a variety of plant communities including night-blooming cacti, desert lilies, evening primroses, and wild tobacco are also under threat.
Global climate change also poses a real threat many other pollinators such as digger bees, sweat bees, alkali bees, squash bees, leafcutter bees, carpenter bees, mason bees and bumble bees; anecdotal evidence has suggested that some of the bumble bee species adapted to cool temperatures are in decline, whereas warmer adapted species are expanding their ranges.
There is a clear indication of decline in flower visiting flies in many parts of the world and the reasons for this are changing land use practices (habitat loss through mechanical destruction, fragmentation, fire, overgrazing, recreation etc.), Pesticides poisoning of pollinators, Enemies and Diseases, Competition between species and individuals induced by man and climate change.
This will lead to increased vulnerability of some plant species to extinction, although consequences are difficult to define in nonagricultural systems, some plant populations that are dependent on affected pollinators for reproduction could become more vulnerable to extinction. Decrease of bee population in environment may result in less effective pollination of native plant species and also decrease of crop yields up to 30% .
Climate change will have impact on native pollinators in agro ecosystems, especially bumble bees and solitary bees and their decrease will be in close connection to plant species extinction.
Thereby he concludes that time has come to recognize pollinators as guardians of the biological integrity of ecosystems and as a critical component to the nation’s economy. Many of our fruits, vegetables, and nuts, as well as other food products rely on pollinators for reproduction or to increase crop yields. Pollinators with their wide foraging range and collecting activities are valuable perennial mobile biomonitors of the local environment therefore there is a need to study well-documented cases of specific pollinator declines throughout the world and sustainable agriculture has to be promoted to mitigate climate change.
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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