Environment
How Shimla Police making it easier for illegal dumpers to escape law (Video)
SHIMLA- Yesterday, a Himachal Watcher Community member came across a tempo-truck that was about to dump illegal construction waste on Shimla-Dhali bypass, not far from new ISBT Shimla at Tutikandi. When the driver, accompanied by another man, noticed the member coming toward them, they just fled from the scene. The member chased him as he couldn’t note down the number.
However, the rear number plate of the vehicle was cleverly shrouded and was impossible to read from every angle. Take a look at the video clip:
Apparently, the culprits escaped easily. We are not quite sure whether these illegal dumpers have made some deal with police or not, but we are sure that indirectly lethargic attitude of Shimla Police is assisting them.
Read Previous Complaint: HP Police neglecting vehicles with partially visible/without number plates
Last year, in August, Himachal Watcher (HW) had written to Shimla Police about these tricks meant to obstruct visibility of number plates that pick-up and tempo-truck owners use when indulged in illegal activity. HW had captured pictures of such vehicles in Shimla and had requested the traffic police to take note of it. But, as we all saw, DSP Traffic Police Shimla was busy drinking and beating up cab-drivers and lathicharge the public that objected to his unacceptable, violent act.
Also Read: Drunk driver & conductor of numberless private bus harasses elderly woman
Despite clear guidelines given under Rule 50 & 51 of Central Motor Vehicle Rule 1989 regarding the clear and legible display of registration marks on motor vehicles, private vehicles, HRTC buses, and those serving at government departments are flaunting the law in front of Himachal Pradesh Police in the state including the capital city Shimla.
It’s really difficult to understand why traffic police is ignoring this critical issue when activities, such as illegal dumping is blatantly going on in Shimla. Unregulated and haphazard construction means generation of tons of construction waste, which is openly dumped on city roadsides. From Sanjauli to Totu, no area is unaffected by illegal dumping. Sometimes, this dumping obstructs roads and cause traffic jams. Illegal dumping also leads to landslides.
In other situations, as mentioned in previous complaint, it becomes impossible to note down number of such vehicles like in the above mentioned case in which we don’t have a number to report.
Still, neither HPPWD or SMC, or any other responsible department ever tried to react to this situation. Shimla is already facing a tremendous stress caused by ignorance to critical issues from both the public and the government. The government literally murdered people by letting them drink sewage-contaminated water supply from Ashwani Khad, thousands of people die every year in road accident because the roadsides are not protected with crash-barriers, transportation infrastructure is overburdened with ever increasing traffic and capital city is worst hit by it due to lack of parking space. Traffic congestion is getting uglier with tourist flooding to Shimla to get respite from scorching heat in other parts of India.
The government hardly has any vision for Himachal, especially urbanized regions. It’s time that administration get to work before remaining Shimla city plunge into irreversible damage, and illegal dumping is a major concern.
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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