Shimla at Crossroad: High Court Demands Action to Save City’s Charm from Traffic and Trash
Once known for its peaceful walks and colonial charm, Shimla is now struggling under the weight of traffic congestion and poor sanitation. Concerned by the growing chaos, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has strongly reprimanded the Municipal Corporation Shimla for failing to manage the city’s deteriorating conditions.
During a hearing on a public interest litigation (PIL), a division bench led by Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma observed that Shimla is losing its identity due to unchecked traffic and misuse of sealed roads meant for pedestrians. The court noted that the city, once reminiscent of leisurely strolls with “umbrella and jacket,” is now choked with vehicles—even on restricted routes.
The bench directed that the Senior Superintendent of Police (SSP) and the State Home Secretary be made respondents in the case and submit a detailed report. This report must include how many passes have been issued for sealed roads, who received them, and for what purpose.
The PIL highlighted troubling scenes: garbage piles, haphazard parking, and blocked pedestrian paths from ARTRAC to Ram Bazaar. Photos submitted showed vehicles parked so tightly that residents were forced to dump garbage behind them, worsening the sanitation crisis.
The court also raised concerns about violations on Mall Road, especially between Rock Sea Hotel and Willow Bank, and from Shimla Club to Chhota Shimla Chowk. Excessive issuance of passes has made walking difficult for both locals and tourists, eroding the city’s appeal.
With the High Court stepping in, both the Municipal Corporation and law enforcement agencies are now under pressure to act. The court’s message is clear: Shimla’s heritage and livability must be protected. Restoring pedestrian-friendly spaces, curbing traffic violations, and improving waste management are no longer optional—they’re essential.
