Disrupted Harmony: A Call for Responsible Development in Shimla

Shimla, Sept 07 Vandana Bhagra

Shimla, with its picturesque landscapes and colonial charm, has long been a beloved destination for tourists and locals alike. However, recent developments near Hotel White in Lakkar Bazar have raised concerns about the impact of rampant construction and development on the city’s infrastructure and its citizens.

For the past year, drilling activities have been ongoing near Hotel White, accompanied by a fleet of massive trucks that seem to have overtaken the area as their own. Pedestrians, including those navigating HRTC taxis and other permit-holder cars, find themselves squeezed onto half-broken steps or forced to walk in single file due to the lack of consideration from the construction site.

The situation took a drastic turn when a colossal truck blocked the road, parking diagonally and further restricting the space available to pedestrians. Chaos ensued, with people struggling to find their way through the limited pathways. It’s important to remember that these developments are meant to benefit the community, so why the tumult?

The contractor gives a damn whether it is us commoners or the school rush hours that feeds this road to Lakkar bazaar or the cart road near the Auckland tunnel. Us menials are meant to bear the brunt of this construction and rampant unnecessary development in the name of Smart City or easing the pressure to walk.

Hey come on, ropeways and elevators are good for your health, so why the need to walk? We are cutting the mountains for your well-being, we are cutting the trees to make more space and in lieu of that, we are planting trees in green jungles for our future generations. So what? Learn to bear the burden of our vision and schemes.

It’s time to ask crucial questions about this drilling and construction. Has there been a comprehensive geographical survey of the land being developed? Did anyone consider the risks of landslides, especially after the left side of the area became unstable during the rainy season, resulting in minor landslides and fallen trees?

Shimla’s administrators should reconsider their decisions and prioritize the well-being and wishes of its citizens. While development is essential, it should not come at the expense of the city’s harmony or the sanctity of its natural surroundings. Perhaps it’s time to listen to the voice of nature, as its fury can spare no one.

In conclusion, the recent disruptions in Shimla call for a reevaluation of development priorities. The city’s allure lies in its harmonious blend of history, nature, and culture, and it’s crucial that these elements are preserved and protected for generations to come.

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