Urgent Call for Action to Protect Shimla’s Historic Ridge Water Tank from Public Functions
In an urgent appeal to the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, a letter was submitted today highlighting serious concerns regarding the ongoing ‘Winter Carnival’ and its venue—the Ridge Water Tank in Shimla. The letter urges immediate intervention to ensure that no public events or activities are held on the vulnerable Ridge Water Tank, located in the heart of Shimla.
While acknowledging the Shimla Municipal Corporation’s initiative to host the Winter Carnival, the letter expresses strong reservations about the choice of location, given the tank’s historic and structural vulnerabilities. Built over 140 years ago without the use of cement, the Ridge Water Tank relies solely on lime and mortar. It holds a significant water capacity of 10 lakh gallons, but due to the lack of reinforcement, cracks have appeared over the past few decades. This has led to concerns about its structural integrity.
The Ridge Water Tank is listed as a “very high vulnerable” zone in the town’s Hazard Vulnerability Risk Assessment (HVRA). As per the HVRA, geological studies have shown that the northern slopes of the Ridge, including areas like Lakkar Bazaar and the Old City Bus Stand, are prone to subsidence and earthquake-induced ground failure. These areas are considered “sinking zones,” further underscoring the risks associated with placing heavy structures and public functions in this location.
The letter also references the state’s repeated directives to avoid activities that could exacerbate the vulnerability of the Ridge. It emphasizes that public functions, such as the Winter Carnival, are not only a violation of established protocols but could contribute to further damage to this historic site. The Himachal Pradesh High Court has previously issued orders that no activity should be allowed on the Ridge that enhances the vulnerability of the area. Additionally, a 2007 Government Order (GO) clearly prohibits any commercial activities within 100 meters of the Ridge.
The recent trend of increasing public events on the Ridge—including the recent use of fire department tankers and a planned AIDS function—has raised concerns. Although the latter was moved to an alternative location after public outcry, it highlights the ongoing disregard for the risks involved.
The letter also draws attention to the lack of necessary legal and structural approvals for the current Winter Carnival stage. The Deputy Commissioner of Shimla had sought permission from Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL) for a structural certificate for the Ridge tank, but the request was declined. The stage is being set up without any legal sanction, making it even more concerning for public safety.
In light of these violations, the letter urges the Chief Secretary to issue a moratorium on all activities at the Ridge, in compliance with the High Court’s orders and the 2007 GO. It also warns that if these government actions continue without regard for legal norms and public safety, contempt petitions will be filed against the responsible authorities.
The writer of the letter, Tikender Singh Panwar, called for immediate action to relocate the Winter Carnival stage away from the Ridge Water Tank to prevent any potential disaster. He stressed that the Ridge, being a historically significant and geologically vulnerable area, deserves greater protection from reckless actions that could compromise its integrity.
As Shimla continues to embrace its growing popularity as a tourist and cultural hub, the need to balance heritage preservation, public safety, and modern festivities has never been more urgent. The call to safeguard the Ridge Water Tank and prevent further activities on its surface represents a crucial step in ensuring that Shimla’s natural and historical legacy is preserved for future generations.
