Former Deputy Mayor, Tikender Singh Panwar Seeks Court Intervention to Shift Shimla Summer Festival Venue

Former Deputy Mayor Tikender Singh Panwar sought the intervention of Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh High Court Mr. Justice M S Ramachandra Rao to replace the venue of the International Shimla Summer Festival from the Ridge Ground alleging that it is non -compliance with an HC order which protected this portion of heritage town as a protected area.

In a letter addressed to the Chief Justice of Himachal Pradesh, Mr. Panwar stated that during his tenure as deputy mayor from the year 2012 to 2017, it came to his notice that the high court has passed an order about the protection of the town however in gross negligence and non-compliance of this order Shimla district administration are ignoring the facts that Shimla is a heritage town developed by the British and has its own aesthetics and manners. The administration is violating the land use of the city and some portion of it was designated as ‘green’, ‘core’, ‘heritage’, ‘sinking’, and ‘open’ area.

” The Ridge Shimla has a large water reservoir underneath it which is more than a century old. The construction is with simple mortar and brick and there are no reinforcements. I have myself been into the tank during cleaning operations. It is a sensitive area. This area also falls under the heritage zone and no activity contrary to the guidelines is allowed including holding meetings etc. ” CPM leader pointed out.

  He drew the attention of the High Court that Shimla has time and again intervened ensuring the protection of the legacy and the legitimacy of the region, the Mall, and the Ridge.  On September 12, 2008, the  Himachal Pradesh High Court passed an order that the portion of the Ridge over the water reservoir would not be allowed for any gathering.

Raising the question marks over the repeated selection of venue for the Summer Festival in Shimla (from June 1 to 5, 2023) he said that it was happening right over the water tank, and the stage has been erected just over it. Even the seating arrangement is just over the water reservoir.

Former Dy Mayor said that during CPI|(M) city government used to mark the entire water tank zone with yellow markings and it was made a no-vehicle zone. Even ambulances were not allowed to ply over it. He further said that just a few years ago nearly Rs two crore was spent by the Shimla Municipal Corporation to repair the leakage in the tank.

He seeks the intervention of the Chief Justice in the matter to take cognizance of the matter and ensure that the Summer Festival site is shifted immediately, and no further gatherings are allowed at the site. This site is not just of heritage value, but also is extremely vulnerable to disaster aspect.