Environment
Shimla on ‘Clean India Campaign’ – Garbage ends up in open or set on fire
SHIMLA- Clean India Campaign disappointed many Govt. employees for their holiday was spoiled. Of course, today all the dailies have publish big images of ministers and high rank officials with broom in their hands. The campaign is launched with a great enthusiasm, and images are pouring on social media sites and news websites. While Modi promised to make India garbage free by 2019, Himachal Govt. has promised a toilet in each and every home in the state by 2015.
The PSU (Private Sector Undertakings) promised to fund the toilets for girls, while panchayats will be granted additional 20 lakh to boost the campaign. Everywhere, the campaign appears to have received thumbs up. There is a flood of announcements from various companies, ministers and individuals. Celebrities like Priyanka Chopara, Amir Khan, Sachin Tendulkar including many others have accepted to join the campaign after the PM invited them.
Before we continue with the article, take a look at the response of Shimla towards Clean India Campaign, which was kicked off by the PM himself.
Yesterday, one of HW’s curious member saw SDA Complex Employees busy in sweeping and shining the furniture, floors, glasses, almirahs etc. He visited various offices in the complex and found people with dusters, brooms, and water-buckets in their hands.
However, the garbage collected from inside the offices mostly ended up in open spaces around the premises of their respective blocks, or it was set on fire.
Take a look at the photos taken near Block-24 parking space.
From the very beginning of HW’s journey, we tried to bring the attention of Shimla MC as well as that of the public towards the sanitary conditions of Shimla, which are getting worse with each passing day.
Many readers supported us to highlight the issue from their locality; they posted images and wrote to us. Expect co-operation from typical Indian public is a farfetched dream when the Municipal Corporation, the MC Commissioner, the Mayor, and the Govt. didn’t move a muscle, even when the issue was brought to their attention with photographs and videos.
The biggest trouble with the Indian people and politicians is the lack commitment toward consistent efforts to get predicted results. Yesterday, everyone was keen to hold a broom, but the very today day, most of them are likely to start a new day with the same mindset. Such campaigns are normal to the ears of ever Indian.
However, the garbage collected from inside the offices mostly ended up in open spaces around the premises of their respective blocks, or the garbage was set on fire. Take a look at the photos taken near parking space at one of the SDA Complex Block.
What’s the point of sweeping and mopping the floors inside the complex when sanitation employees daily do the same? The cleaning campaign is less about cleaning desks, almirahs and window glasses.
The actual target was the solid waste and garbage thrown in open around these blocks or anywhere around us. The idea is to amend our poor garbage disposal habits, to stop littering, to stop spitting and urinating in public spaces.
Here is a picture posted by a reader in HW UrNews section. It was clicked in yesterday morning.
Any cleaning campaign would not advice burning the garbage or to throw is in open. The campaign should encourage people to use dustbins.
Awareness makes an essential part of a cleaning campaign. It’s no use if you teach people to clean the garbage, but misses to tell them what to do with it. All garbage must end in waste treatment plants.
People in Shimla, except those who were asked to report at the offices, did not take any interest in the launch of this campaign. People are seen littering and urinating in open, even in parking spaces.
We don’t deny the possibility that some good souls, if not all, will continue to actually follow the Keep India Clean Pledge, but the majority of us are suffering from dementia type disease when it comes to cleaning campaigns, social works, and duties of a citizen.
Again, we appeal to the Govt. and Shimla MC to initiate awareness campaigns, which will teach not only keep our locality clean but also how to dispose off the waste properly. They must be told why burning isn’t the solution for the garbage trouble.
Photo Credits: Tarun Sharma/ HW Readers
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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