Shimla Collective unveils Vision 2040, shaped by citizens’ voices
Marking World Earth Day, The Shimla Collective launched a citizen-driven campaign to gather ideas and suggestions for its ambitious initiative, “Shimla Vision 2040”, aimed at making the hill town more resilient, climate-smart, and people-friendly.
The campaign was rolled out on Wednesday at a prominent public space outside the Gaiety Theatre on the Ridge, where feedback boards were placed to encourage residents and visitors to share their thoughts and aspirations for the city’s future.
Speaking on the occasion, Uma Mahajan, a member of The Shimla Collective, said that citizens and tourists actively contributed through vision boards and video messages, expressing their views on key issues such as forest conservation, water management, transport, waste disposal, urban planning and construction practices, energy use, public spaces, and good governance.
She emphasized that the goal of Shimla Vision 2040 is to ensure that the city remains safe, environmentally balanced, and livable for future generations. “We strongly believe that meaningful and lasting change cannot happen without active public participation,” she said.
The event saw enthusiastic participation from both locals and tourists, reflecting a shared concern for Shimla’s environmental health and sustainable development.
As part of its ongoing efforts, The Shimla Collective has also conducted a detailed survey, the findings of which are expected to be released in May. These insights will help shape the organization’s future roadmap and action plans for the city.
On Earth Day, the organization appealed to citizens to play their part by maintaining cleanliness, conserving natural resources, and reducing climate risks, while also urging the government and local administration to take concrete and timely measures to safeguard Shimla’s fragile ecology.
Several members and volunteers, including Uma Singh Mahajan, Raveen Singh, Vipin Gupta, Divya Jhingran, Ashok Kumar, Prateek Draik, Deven Khanna, Virendra Rishi, Umang, Anita, Rakesh, Rajiv Kuthiala, Sapna, among others, were present and actively engaged in the campaign.
