Environment
Illegal Mining in Shimla: Mining officials take note of complaints, challans and notices issued to offenders
SHIMLA- Taking note of two separate reports of illegal mining in capital Shimla published on Himachal Watcher recently, the Mining Officer Shimla (Rural) Shailza Choudhry took a prompt action and inspected the mentioned locations.
On September 20, 2016, on the basis of information provided by a resident of Barmu, Himachal Watcher (HW) had reported rampant illegal mining activity, felling of green deodar trees, and large scale illegal dumping. About 400 trees were threatened by unscientific, unlawful mining along with increasing risk of landslides. According to the action taken report shared by the Mining Officer, illegal mining and transportation were detected on Sept 24.
A vehicle was nabbed transporting the quarried stone, which was challaned, and notice was issued to the offender, said MO report.
Read/Photos: Illegal mining, dumping, felling of deodar trees near Keleston Shimla, Admin silent despite complaints
In a separate article published on Sept 26, 2016, HW had reported illegal mining/dumping activity on Mashobra-Bekhalti link road in Shimla being carried out by a private contractor on the name of road repair. Again, the information was provided by an aware resident of Mashobra. Reportedly, grazing fields of cattle as well as natural water resources were covered under illegally dumped debris. Taking note of it, the department inspected the site and detected illegal mining and transportation. On Sept 27, two challans were issued to the vehicles while notices will be sent to the offender.
Read/Photos: Blatant illegal mining, dumping on Mashobra-Bekhalti road in broad daylight despite High Court warning
Action taken was confirmed by Mr. Amit Kashyap, Director, State Industries department.
However, despite this action, reports of illegal mining on Mashobra-Bekhalti road are still coming from sources.
Other Cases of Illegal Mining in Shimla
As per MO’s monthly report, during last month (until Sept 27) 61 cases/challans of illegal mining were detected in various regions of district Shimla. The number was reported highest in regions like Rampur, Kotkhai, Basantpur, Theog, Duttnagar, and Hatkoti.
These are some of the regions, but illegal mining seems to have infested every possible site in capital Shimla as well as in other districts of the State. Although, offenders do not hesitate conducting their unlawful business in broad daylight, but mining and transportation are mostly carried out either during early morning hours or at night.
Forest Department Still Asleep
While the Mining Officials have become active after the State High Court had warned administration of dire consequences if illegal mining activity isn’t curbed in time, the State Forest Department is still hesitating to take note of illegal tree felling and damage to green trees due to large scale dumping despite complaints.
HPPWD’s Intentional Ignorance Toward Illegal Dumping
A large number of tippers of debris is illegally unloaded on National as well as State Highways. Offenders have parted with fear of law and don’t even hesitate to dump it simply on roadsides. On Shimla-Dhalli bypass, heaps of construction waste can be seen partially obstructing the road. Check on illegal dumping is least concern for HPPWD. Rather, department doesn’t even care to remove these dumps.
Web of Illegal Link Roads to Mining Sites
Mining mafia has created a wide web of link roads to connect the mining sites to main roads to facilitate transportation. HPPWD was never unaware of the situation, but, in this case, negligence earned the official a fortune. HPPWD is responsible for putting check on construction of illegal link roads. However, the department is barely co-operating.
The MO Shimla(R) admits that it would be difficult to curb mining menace without dismantling these illegal link roads created by mining mafia specially to facilitate transportation. She has asked HPPWD to identify and act to disable access to mining sites by dismantling such routes. She has also written to the Deputy Commissioner of Shimla regarding the same.
Secondly, patronage of elected MLAs or politicians to mining mafia is clearly making it harder for administration to act against offenders even if honest official try to do so. It was clearly visible in ASP Baddi Gaurav Singh’s case. The officer had challaned a tipper for illegal transportation of quarried material. The tipper belonged to a company owned by Doon MLAs wife. Despite being a headline in media, ASP was slapped with transfer orders within a couple of days of this action. There are other such controversial cases of transfer of officials for being strict on mining mafia.
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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