The rampant illegal dumping of debris in forest areas of Shimla continues to remain a major threat to the forests and the overall environment of the state’s capital. Over the years, people have made it a habit to illegally dump debris generated from construction work in forest areas. Many people have been dumping debris at night, which is not only threatening the environment but is also increasing the risk of disasters during heavy rains.
To curb illegal dumping, the Shimla Municipal Corporation (MC) had constituted a flying squad earlier this year. The flying squad was expected to carry out day-and-night surprise inspections across the town to check any illegal dumping activities. In case of such activity, the squad was directed to inform the Forest Department and note down the details of the offender as well as the registration number of the vehicle being used to transport debris. The squad was also authorized to issue challans and impound vehicles of offenders. However, despite being constituted, the squad is yet to take any action in this direction.
Virender Thakur, Councillor of the Summer Hill ward, who was also made a member of the flying squad, said that no concrete action has been taken by the corporation and the problem of illegal dumping of debris remains the same. “We are ready to take action against illegal dumping, but the corporation is yet to assign us duties, due to which the flying squad remains inactive. As a result, there is no control on illegal dumping of debris in forest areas, and people are freely dumping debris at night,” he said.
