Environment
Bear attack in Himachal village leaves 1 mauled to death, 3 seriously injured
KULLU- Bear attack in Anni region of district Kullu, Himachal Pradesh wreck havoc among villagers on Wednesday. Meanwhile, in another attack, a Nepalese laborer was badly mauled by a bear in Kotgarh.
Reportedly, three bears launched attack on villagers who were out for irrigation work at one of the ‘kuhls.’ Other two managed to escape despite injuries but the third man was not lucky enough to survive this sudden confrontation. He instantly succumbed to deep injuries inflicted on his neck and genitals. The bears also mauled a woman who was engaged in collecting fodder near the location.
The case was reported from Kungash panchayat in Anni region. The villages in Anni area have witnessed increase in confrontation with black bears during last five years. As per reports, at least 3 people were mauled to death in past 4-5 years and many were left with grieve injuries on face, eyes, stomach and legs.
According to eyewitnesses, the bears attacked around 9:00 PM on Wednesday. Hearing the screams of victims, villagers gathered and made loud noise. The bears ran away and the injured were rushed to Anni Hospital with help of police. The forest department was also informed regarding the situation.
The deceased was identified as Jeet Kumar(30), while injured include Nandlal (38), Vinod (21), and Ramila (36).
Previous Attacks
Wildlife experts have established that the Himalayan black bear is a savage animal, sometimes attacking without provocation, and inflicting horrible wounds.
Black bear is more aggressive as compared to brown bear. The bears are more aggressive when accompanied by cubs.
It generally targets the head and face with their claws, while using their teeth also on a prostrate victim.
The confrontation with bears is increasing in Anni region of Kullu, Rampur, and some other regions of upper Shimla.
In October, 2016 a man was mauled to death by a bear in Rampur Tehsil of Shimla district.
In June, 2015 two people were injured in Chargon area of Rohru subdivision in Shimla district after they were attacked by a bear while grazing livestock.
In Nov 2014, two women in Kochdi Village of Rampur subdivision, who were collecting fodder for cows, were attacked in which both women sustained serious injuries
In May, 2015 was attacked by a bear when she was working in her fields at the Bagsh village in Ani sub-division of district kullu leaving her with broken leg and badly mauled face. Prior to that an elderly woman from Porala village under Dharalijan panchayat was attacked and had sccumber to the injuries.
In November 2010 two incidents of bear attacks were reported within 24 hours in which 13-years-old boy and a woman were injured in Dodra-Kawar area of Shimla district and Khadiyar village in Paprola area of Kangra district respectively.
In September 24, 2007, man grazing sheep in Chamba valley’s Choharghatti was mauled in a bear attack. In 2007, too, villagers had reported several attacks and sighting of bears during past few months prior to this incident. The villagers appealed to the government to take measure to ensure safety of villagers. The Wildlife Wing of HP Forest Department isn’t ready to move a muscle, neither equipped with tools to capture wild animals. It has been reported that forest department doesn’t even provide tranquilizer guns to field workers. The department is totally blank on technical grounds and incapable of forming any policy or strategy to prevent man-animal confrontation.
In rural areas of Himachal where agriculture and livestock are major occupations of people, it is very a common practice for villagers to head towards forest to collect fodder and wood for domestic use. The extension of cultivating land and increase demand of fodder and wood have major role in bringing wild animals and humans face to face.
Moreover, considering the dwindling population of animals, Himachal Pradesh Government had put a ban on animal killing or hunting in 1984. The population of animals has increased. The State government need to consider the urgency of the matter and exclude wildlife management from its corrupt culture. The callousness and unscientific attitude of the forest department is exposing more and more people to potential risk due to animals confrontations.
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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