Environment
Illegal mining, dumping, felling of deodar trees near Keleston Shimla, Admin silent despite complaints
Jagdish, an employee of State Bank of India, is an influential man and allegedly managed to manipulate government records to change the status of his land from “Bani” to “Kism Ghasani” in revenue records.
SHIMLA-Illegal mining, dumping and felling of Deodar trees in two villages in capital Shimla have come into light after a resident of Mashobra submitted a written complaint to Himachal Pradesh Forest Department. However, complainant alleged that official from forest department visited the spot after the complaint, but didn’t take any action or lodged any official complaint. Instead, official has taken side of the culprit. Harassed complainant has eventually approached the High Court of Himachal Pradesh.
As per the complaint submitted to Range Forest Officer, Mashobra, about 10-15 full-grown deodar trees have already been cut and nearly 400 more trees are about to be axed to conduct illegal mining and dumping at villages Kelti and Barmu near Keleston, just two kilometers from HP High Court Judges residential colony.
According to the complaint, a resident of Barmu village, and the letter to Justice Rajive Sharma, Jagdish Thakur, also a resident of Barmu village, is actively involved in unlawful mining and dumping on a private piece of land that bears hundreds of green deodar trees. Jagdish, an employee of State Bank of India, is an influential man and allegedly managed to manipulate government records and machinery to conduct mentioned illegal activities using his contacts. Jagdish changed the status of his land from “Bani” to “Kism Ghasani” in revenue records.
Not only illegal mining, but Jagdish has allegedly dumped over 2,000 trucks of debris into the forest and over 500 more are lined up. This dumping spot is located exactly at the Barmu bus stoppage and has already caused damage to about 35-40 Deodar trees, said the complainant. The risk of landslides has also increased and falling debris threatens traffic moving beneath the mining spot, the complainant further alleged.
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On Sept 13, 2016, complainant had wrote to the Range Officer, Mashobra Range to bring the grieve issue to his attention. However, to complainant’s surprise, no action was taken despite the fact that the spot was visited by an official.
“The Block Officer visited the spot, but didn’t lodge any official complaint or made no damaged report. Instead, he declared the mining as absolutely lawful.” the complainant told Himachal Watcher.
“The person might own the property but he can’t axe or damage about 400 Deodar and Baan trees because forests are national properties. No one can be allowed to play with nature merely because he owns a piece of land,” the complainant further added.
The forest guard chowki is just half a kilometer away but despite being in knowledge, the forest guard did not file any complaint against the alleged person.
Apathy of the administration doesn’t end here, the complainant further told HW. The Forest department is trying to wash its hands of the complaint saying this case belongs to Mining Officer. Similarly, mining authorities deny taking responsibility claiming that it pertains to forest department’s jurisdiction.
The complainant further alleged that he personally approached the Mining Officer Shailja Chaudhary and brought the issue to her attention. She ensured a raid on Tuesday Morning, but didn’t show up at all. The complainant alleged that he tried to contact the mining officer but she either hung up or didn’t pick up the phone.
“Even after complaint, the mining continues. On Monday and Tuesday, it began early morning at about 5 AM and continued until 8AM,” said the complainant.
“I had met the Mining Officer at her officer on Monday and she had assured me that a raid will be conducted Tuesday morning. When no one appeared on the spot at morning, I tried to contact the officer for many hours, but she didn’t respond at all,” the complainant told Himachal Watcher
Harassed complainant was left with no choice except approaching the High Court with his complaint, copies of which were also sent to various officials including DC Shimla, DFO Wildlife, Mining Officer etc.
In his letter, the complainant also mentioned damage to Check-Dams construction in the Nullah to control floods and threat to nearby sewerage treatment plant due to illegal, excess dumping.
The complainant has urged the court to take notice of this critical issue and order appropriate action against the culprit.
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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