Environment
Shimla Jaundice Outbreak: No action against treatment plant contractor despite FIR
SHIMLA- It’s really disheartening to realize that Himachal Pradesh Government with all its ministers and politicians from both Congress and BJP could not provide clean drinking water to Shimla city since formation of the state 45 years ago. Out of this period, Congress ruled the state for about 30 years.
In 2016, government is serving sewerage contaminated water to its people. On the top of it, no action has been initiated against the responsible officials of IPH and Municipal Corporation who put lives of thousands of people at risk.
The government was well aware of poor condition of Malyana Treatment Plant and Contaminated Ashwani Khud and cases of jaundice were also reported many times earlier. However, government did not attend to it and now it has become an epidemic with registration of over 8, 00 cases in Shimla city in past couple of months.
In last 20 days, over 600 cases of jaundice were reported as per official data. A couple of days ago, a woman died of jaundice in Indira Gandhi Medical College, Shimla after giving birth to a baby. Still, no action has been taken against officials of IPH department or any authority responsible to ensure clean, safe drinking water supply to Shimla city.
While, IPH department is silent about this sever jaundice breakout, the Deputy Mayor of Shimla, Tikendar Panwar has once again launched direct attack on HP Government and asked it to show its wit and will and take action against the contractor of Malyana Sewerage Treatment Plant who is prima facie responsible for the outbreak of Jaundice in Shimla city
Despite an FIR against the contractor no action has been taken. In fact, similar circumstances had appeared in 2011 as well and the same sewerage treatment plant was blamed as the prime source of the outbreak and spread of Jaundice in the city, he said.
According to report in newspapers after this incident, the government had ensured that a centrifuge machine with proper treatment would be installed at Malyana plant. However, nothing was done in last five years that describes the inept functioning of the IPH department and the contractor who was supposed to treat the sewerage properly.
The demands including that of a centrifuge machine and lifting of sludge wasn’t attended at all.
Panwar further added that the samples collected from various water sources must be sent to Pune lab to test it for hepatitis virus, especially from Malyana Khud and Ashwinin Khud. Joint samples should be taken by both the MC and IPH teams to ensure complete transparency in this investigation.
Therefore, no water must be lifted from Ashwini Khud till the results are out.
Efforts must be made to work out for lifting water from two neighbouring khuds namely Brandi and Koti
The deputy Mayor has asked the government to install modern technologies like reverses osmosis/ozonisation for water treatment plant in Ashwini Khud.
Meanwhile, the Shimla MC and health department Shimla have launched a massive awareness campaign to educate people about spread of Hepatitis and its prevention in the Shimla city.
He also informed that convergence of various institutions is working not just to educate the people but also to collect samples from houses. Through its workers, the health department is moving door to door in severely affected zones of the city.
Deputy Mayor ensured that the Shimla MC will work in the in larger interests of the people so that potable, clean water, which is worth drinking, is supplied to the people of Shimla.
Photos: Amar Ujala
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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