Environment
A demo: How littering goes unchecked even at Shimla SDA Complex
SHIMLA- If you wonder how seriously the administration of Shimla and its people take Swaccha Bharat Abhiyan (Clean India Campaign), here is a small scale demonstration. The area is Special Development Authority (SDA) Complex in Kasumpti that houses important buildings including several directorates of various State government departments.
A gentleman opened his new Jewelry shop in the Complex. As part of the marketing, a sort of public feast was organized inside Complex premises.
The arrangements including the kitchen were made adjacent to the Software Technology Parks of India (Block No. 24). Except parking, it’s the only open space that is somewhat spacious. The employees at the Complex use it for basking in sun, mostly during morning and lunch.
The feast was successful and by evening all crowd disappeared and catering was also removed.
It’s common feature of public feasts in India to leave places badly littered after it. Mr. jeweler, who is definitely a well to do man, left behind his footprints. Lots of waste was burned at the spot. The plastic packing of refined oil, milk, and spices, remains of salad were packed in a sack that was simply left behind. Disposable plastic water cups were thrown over the railings or dumped at the backyard of the office.
But the sack full of rubbish was the most interesting part. Take a look what happened to it:
First and Second Day
Third and Fourth Day
Fifth and Sixth Day
The litter soon attracted monkeys and stray dogs, which started to empty it searching for food. Now, the rubbish was scattered.
Seventh and Eighth Day
Anyway, no sanitation worker or sweeper appeared after a week. The rubbish remains where it was left by the gentleman.
It proves that no sanitation facility is available even at the SDA Complex. If that’s not all, one should take a round of entire SDA Complex, especially the Software and Technology Park of India (STPI). Surroundings of the premises are badly littered. Heaps of half-burnt, non-biodegradable garbage are clearly visible.
Behind Vehicles Parked in SDA Complex
Empty liquor bottles, disposable, construction waste generated during renovations of offices including large number of broken-glass pieces is lying inside premises for over an year now.
The daily garbage from various offices can be regularly seen burning. Littering and burning are top two methods of waste management in the capital city. Both are dangerous for environment as well as health. Moreover, the administration is ignoring it openly despite a number of complaints filed several times.
The moral of the story is that people don’t have any idea about aesthetics or pollution by littering or other means. People hardly have any desire to keep Shimla, their own home, clean. Every place, other than own house or own building, is equivalent of landfill for pubic and administration. What’s the point of launching campaigns for cleanliness without any efforts to create awareness? How administration hopes to bring change or make people co-operate and develop taste for aesthetics? There is no surprise that Shimla is struggling to make into Smart City project.
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.
Himachal’s LPG Supply Hit Amid Global Tensions, Likely to Affect Hospitality Industry
Himachal Teen Survives 12-Minute Leopard Attack, Kills Predator in Self-Defense
Weather Forecast for Himachal Pradesh For the Next Two Weeks
Monsoon 2025: Himachal Pradesh Suffers 199 Casualties, Over ₹1,905.50 Cr in Damages
Home Decor Ideas 2020