Environment
Save Trees: Blatant tree spiking still continues in Shimla, departments back to sleep
SHIMLA-What makes Himachal special on world map? Its ecological prosperity, diversity, and the Himalayan landscapes covered with greenery that attracts tourists, travelers, and adventure sport lovers from all over the world. The capital Shimla, once imperial summer capital, used to be the crown of Himachal, and is still one of the most visited hill stations. But neither its people nor the government ever made serious efforts to preserve it ecological treasure.
Tree spiking – practice of wrapping around metal wires, hammering iron rod and nails into trees- is one of the most harmful practices against trees in Shimla and most of Himachal’s urban areas.
An HW Community member has shared fresh pictures of some trees near Charabra, Shimla, showing metal wires wrapped around tree trunk. Some others were stabbed with nails. None of it was serving any purpose. It again revived memories of our earlier efforts to get these trees rid of unwanted, harmful wires and nails.
In 2011 and 2012, Himchal Watcher had brought the issue to the notice of the Himachal Pradesh Forest Department and Shimla Municipal Corporation. We had sent pictures to SMC asking them to take action against those who are using trees to hammer their banners/hoardings.
Himachal Pradesh Electricity Board was leading offenders with its metal stay-wires wrapped around full grown trees. A huge number of trees, especially in Shimla town, are inflicted with this bad practice. On our repeated complaints, many of these wires were removed.
We had real tough time with thick-skinned government officials. It’s a hell of task to make them act, to actually make them commit to their job they have been entrusted upon. Initially, we believed the administration didn’t have this matter in its attention, and that after our complaints to save trees in Shimla, officials will wake up. Sadly, the departments stopped removing unwanted wires and nails as soon as our focus shifted to other issues. Now, in 2016, we are again writing to administration and to the people as a reminder toward their duty to protect every tree because its precious.
People are less aware that this practice damages tree trunks. The metal wires wrapped around trees keep penetrating deeper into the trunk because with the passage of time, tree-trunk diameter increases but that of the wire remains constant. The nails and iron rods can leave tree-trunk vulnerable to parasitic infections, just like human skin. At some stage, these wires/nails are completely overlapped by tree-trunk layers. At that stage, it’s almost impossible to notice or remove them.
In long term, these factors do influence tree growth and caste ill effects on its anatomy – a critical environmental issue that does count.
What’s more saddening is that it’s a very common practice for people in towns of Himachal to use trees as another object. Along with growing man-animal conflict, man-tree conflict is also on rise in ever expending urbanized culture. 
A great share goes to Himachal’s extremely lethargic and vision-less bureaucracy under the command equally worthless ministers and various boards. None of them never bothered to create awareness among people or discourage this malpractice. Can you believe that most of Himachal’s boards had not even utilized 50% of the funds allotted to them for the financial year 2014-15 until March 2016. Fearing lapse of funds, the boards spent the funds in haste to show utilization. So, the government department did have money, but they just didn’t bothered to utilize them on any sort of constructive policy including water schemes.
Controller Auditor General’s (CAG) report made shocking revelations about Himachal Pradesh Government’s absurd and embarrassing deeds, like taking loan to payback the interest on previous loans and that Himachal is under a gigantic debt of over Rs. 38,000 crore because of blatant corruption and poor utilization of loans government had been receiving for development projects. The ministers hiked their salary twice in two years, hiked their pension, and extracting money from the pocket of public for their luxuries.
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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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