Environment
Over 15,000 Hepatitis-E cases from Shimla, Solan, Sirmaur, Jaundice should be declared epidemic: Opposition
Chief Minister refused to call it an epidemic and compared it with common cold in winters and saith that a small illness is being publicised as an epidemic and his government is not at all responsible for the outcome.
SHIMLA- More than 15,000 cases of Hepatitis-E have been reported from the three districts of Shimla, Solan and Sirmaur after the jaundice outbreak. The opposition parties have demanded that jaundice should be declared as an epidemic in the State and the affected people should be given free medical aid.
They have decided to raise the issue vociferously in the coming Vidhan Sabha session after the insensitivity of the incumbent government towards the gravity of the disease. IPH Minister Vidya Stokes has refused to call it an epidemic and denied any special assistance to the jaundice patients.
State Chief Minister has also refused to call it an epidemic and had compared it with common cold in winters recently in a media interaction. He said the jaundice outburst is being blown out of proportions by the media and opposition parties.
A small illness is being publicised as an epidemic and his government is not at all responsible for the outcome, he said. Mr. Singh blamed the residents and local administrations for the leakages in their sewage tanks that had resulted in the contamination of the drinking water.
On the other hand the opposition has been blaming the government from the beginning for not taking adequate steps to check the epidemic and for not taking strict actions against the culprits who were responsible for mixing the untreated sewage water with the drinking water.
Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda sanctioned Rs. 70 lakh to study the causes of jaundice
Expressing concern over jaundice outbreak in the capital town, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda on Sunday urged the State government to take necessary steps to check the spread of the disease in the hill State. The minister sanctioned Rs. 70 lakh for a study by the Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) to prevent the recurrence of the disease.
We are monitoring the situation closely and have already offered all assistance to the State government. I urge the State government to take all necessary steps by improving sanitation and checking supply of contaminated water,
Mr. Nadda said in a statement.
The minister said a team of experts from the National Centre for Disease Control had assessed the situation on the ground level and advised that sanitation and cleanliness in affected areas should be improved while contamination of water had be checked.
Meanwhile, leading Shimla lawyer Jagdish Vats (58) succumbed to Hepatits-E virus on Saturday after reportedly drinking contaminated water from a polluted water sources in the town. Mr. Vats was admitted to the Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research in Chandigarh in a serious condition. Another lawyer, Rakesh Chandel (41) who contracted the disease died on Friday.
Due to the increasing number of deaths, lawyers here have requested the High Court to take action against erring officials, while demanding compensation for the deceased.
According to sources, a 74-year-old man from Khalini suburb of the town succumbed to jaundice in the IGMC hospital, taking the total toll to four in the past several hours.
A 25-year-old pregnant woman and wife of an advocate died of jaundice in the capital town on Thursday, leaving behind a four-day-old daughter, the IGMC authorities confirmed.
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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