Environment
Over 95% IPH water tanks in Himachal have no locks or fences to check unwanted intrusion: Report
95 % of about 50,000 IPH water storage tanks in towns and rural areas across Himachal have no fencing and locking provision to check entry of anti-social elements or unauthorised access by unwanted intruders.
SHIMLA– Until a week ago, no one was concerned or even had questions on how government ensure security of storage tanks used by Irrigation & Public Health Department and Shimla Municipal Corporation to prevent intrusion of unwanted or antisocial elements. In the first quarter of 2016, the public had just came to know that administration, corroding with corruption, did not hesitate to serve sewage contaminated water to people knowingly, which lead to deadly jaundice outbreak that claimed about 20 lives (according to official stats) and put thousands of people on hospital beds within a couple of months. Now, with facts revealed in Yug Gupta murder case have demonstrated how concerned the government is about ensuring safety and security of its public water supply storage tanks.
Also Read: Skeleton of missing Shimla kid recovered after 2 years from MC water tank near Bharari
According to a report by The Tribune, more than 95 per cent of about 50,000 water storage tanks of the Irrigation and Public Health (IPH) Department that supply water to towns and rural areas across the state have no fencing and locking provision, leave alone CCTV cameras to check anti-social elements.
The reason is simple: the IPH Department is yet to put in place a proper standard operating procedure (SOP) under the Water Manual for the “safety, cleaning of storage tanks to ensure quality water to the residents”.
Only 5 per cent of the IPH storage tanks in the state are fenced and secured. Most of the water storage tanks under the IPH have no proper gates and fencing. This makes them an easy target for criminals and anti-social elements as it happened in the Yug murder case, revealed the sources.
The Central Public Health Engineering Organisation (CPHEO) has issued the SOP and guidelines for the IPH to provide safe portable water to the resident under the Water Manual. The CPHEO has also issued guidelines for cleaning and treatment of sewage treatment plants in the country, revealed IPH engineers.
It was after direction from the High Court that the IPH and Shimla Municipal Corporation started checking water samples on a regular basis before supplying water to the residents. It has also directed to the State Environmental Protection and Pollution Control Board (SEPPCB) to check water quality of sewage water being discharged after treatment at sewerage treatment plants into the khads and rivers.
Though the SMC has taken steps to put all its 47 water tanks under lock and key and other key storage tanks under CCTV cameras to check its misuse by the unscrupulous elements, the IPH has yet to wake up from its slumber to do this exercise in other key towns in the state.
Shimla Mayor Sanjay Chauhan, who claims no remains of Yug’s body were found inside the Kelston tank, said the corporation would put all water tanks under lock and keys within a week’s time as the Municipal House has given its nod for it.
Photo: The Tribune
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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