Environment
Blatant illegal mining, dumping on Mashobra-Bekhalti road in broad daylight despite High Court warning
SHIMLA- Despite strict directions passed to mining department and Director General of Himachal Pradesh Police, mining mafia is fearlessly quarrying construction material in capital Shimla. Illegal mining and dumping at Barmu and Kelti is not visible since Himachal Watcher published a story based on complaint sent by a local. However, mining mafia in Shimla like rest of Himachal appears to have lost fear of law.
Read: HP High Court take notice of illegal mining reports, warns DGP and officials of stern action
Illegal dumping of mining waste on National and State Highways has become a joke that mocks at the face of law and justice.
Now, a resident of Mashobra has brought to Himachal Watcher’s attention illegal mining being carried out on Mashobra-Bekhalti link road. On the name of road-repair, a private contractor has deployed machines to bring down the hill. This unlawful mining activity has reached a critical level, regularly triggering minor landslides. Driving or walking on this road has become highly risky business as debris keep falling now and then.
“The exact spot is located about five kilometers from Mashobra on Mashobra-Bekhalti road. Mining activity is regular for past 4-5 month. Two JCBs can be seen deployed at the spot to undertake mining work,” the complainant, who requested to maintain anonymity, told Himachal Watcher
“These people have no fear of government or court. This illegal activity of unscientific mining and large scale dumping continues despite HP High Court’s recent warning,” he added.
Illegal dumping of waste debris into forest has affected natural water resources, grazing fields of cattle are destroyed, and has already damaged hundreds of trees. Many trees are at verge of drying and dumped waste has destroyed new saplings too.
The elected panchayat and locals are silent and afraid to lodge any complaint for the contactor is a wealthy and influential man with strong political patronage, alleged the complainant.
Callousness of the forest and mining officials is intentional for the matter is in their knowledge. Office of Mashobra Range Officer is merely 2-3 kilometers away from the mining site, said the complainant.
According to a report published in news daily Jagran a month ago, the DFO Shimla (Rural) Amit Sharma had admitted receiving complaint of illegal mining a few months back. A damage report was prepared to penalize the culprit, the DFO had claimed. But currently, there is no such complaint in his attention, he said.
The DFO had ensured visit to the location of illegal mining and appropriate action against anyone who is found indulged in illegal mining and dumping activity.
Surprisingly, the mining on Mashobra-Bekhalti road still continues in broad daylight, the tippers are transporting quarried stone and waste debris for dumping despite presence of police.
Apparently, such blatant violation of laws cannot be executed without cooperation of district administration and police department. Drilling down entire hills with men and machine isn’t a crime that can be executed under cover or in shade.
Speedy construction rate in Shimla and other towns of Himachal Pradesh has increased demand for construction material. The miners have found a potential market inside Himachal unlike Baddi-Barotiwala-Nalagarh (BBN) region where mined stone is illegally exported to neighboring state Punjab. Enormous wealth involved in mining has corrupted the system from top to bottom.
Unaware and unconcerned of ecological damages of unscientific and excess mining, politicians and mining mafia have become immune to the lash of law, which is otherwise meant to rip off the hell out of filthy, rich violators. No civilization can act in manner as foolish as the one that is upto destroying its own habitat.
Himachal Watcher has submitted a copy of this complaint to the Director of HP Industries Department Amit Kashyap .
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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