Garbage Crisis Plaguing Shimla’s Streets

Shimla Mar 27 Ritanjali Hastir

Shimla, once the pride of the hills, is now buried under heaps of garbage. The so-called “Smart City” is failing miserably in basic waste management, turning every street corner into a breeding ground for filth, disease, and chaos. Trash is piling up, stray animals are scavenging, and residents are left helpless as the administration’s incompetence becomes more evident each day.

A recent incident near Orchid Hotel ,Bhattakuffer paints a grim picture—despite a closed dumpster, garbage was scattered across the area, with stray dogs feasting on the waste. Unfortunately, this is not an exception; it is a recurring reality across Shimla. The lack of proper garbage collection isn’t just an eyesore; it’s a major health hazard.

Local residents are frustrated. One resident, speaking anonymously, remarked, “This garbage has become a food source for stray animals, leading to more aggressive behavior in monkeys and dogs. Children are constantly at risk of being attacked. This is not just a cleanliness issue—it’s a serious threat to public safety.”

Ward Councillor Narendra Thakur has raised repeated complaints, but the authorities remain indifferent. While some areas receive regular waste collection, others are completely ignored. Why this negligence? Is it corruption, laziness, or simply a lack of accountability? Despite multiple reminders, supervisors fail to perform their duties, leaving the city to rot.

The consequences are spiraling out of control. The increasing filth is attracting more stray animals, worsening the monkey menace, and making everyday life unsafe. Who will take responsibility when a child gets attacked or an accident occurs due to garbage-strewn roads?

A Symbolic Cleanup Amidst a Larger Mess

After BJP’s massive protest at Chaura Maidan today, state president Dr. Rajeev Bindal was seen cleaning the street where the demonstration took place. His effort was a welcome gesture, emphasizing the importance of cleanliness and responsibility. However, residents hope for consistent efforts from the concerned authorities to keep the entire city clean—not just selective, symbolic gestures.

Perhaps the municipal authorities should take a cue from Bindal’s sweeping. If political protests can trigger immediate cleanups, maybe Shimla’s residents should start holding daily demonstrations at every garbage dump. Who knows? It might just work.

It’s time for real action. The residents of Shimla demand more than just temporary fixes—they want a city that is clean, safe, and livable. The authorities must be held accountable before this mismanagement turns into a full-blown crisis.