Environmental Irony: Thermocol Ban in Himachal vs. Government’s Contradictory Actions
2 min read
Shimla, January 14 Ritanjali Hastir
In a peculiar turn of events, the Municipal Corporation (MC) of Shimla has come under scrutiny for its decision to create a large model of the traditional musical instrument “Shenai” at Scandal Point, contradicting the state-wide ban on thermocol. While the Shenai model became a major attraction during the carnival, its post-carnival fate is revealing an ironic tale of environmental negligence.
Himachal Pradesh took a commendable step by banning thermocol, a non-biodegradable material that poses severe threats to the environment. The ban was welcomed as a positive move towards ecological sustainability. However, the decision-makers at MC Shimla seem to have overlooked the very essence of the ban when they approved the construction of the Shenai model.
The enormous, life-sized Shenai model, crafted from thermocol, initially captured the hearts of locals and tourists alike during the carnival festivities. However, as the celebrations waned, the aftermath was evident: the thermocol structure was now deteriorating, eroding into bits and pieces. This raises a critical question: If thermocouple is banned for the common man due to its environmental impact, why did the authorities choose to set up such a massive artifact, defying the principles they seek to uphold?
Dr. Nitin Vyas, a Social Activist, and Academician Professor at Himachal Pradesh University strongly advocating the environmental cause, vehemently condemned the government’s blatant disregard for Shimla’s aesthetics and its residents’ well-being. With haphazard constructions eroding the essence of Shimla, Dr. Vyas questions the authorities’ alarming ignorance, emphasizing the peril imposed on the local populace. The thermocol Shenai, once a festive display, now stands as a stark symbol of a government oblivious to the very dangers it inflicts on its people.
The environmental irony deepens when we consider that the law, which is meant to protect the environment, appears to be selectively enforced. The Shenai model, deteriorating and likely contributing to pollution, stands as a stark example of the double standards exercised by those in power.
It is crucial to understand that the environment does not discriminate between the powerful and the underdog. The decision to use thermocol for a public display, despite its ban, reflects a lack of foresight and responsibility toward preserving the natural surroundings.
Shimla’s Post-Carnival Hangover: Unleashing Ghosts of Festivity
In conclusion, the Shenai model at Scandal Point is not just an environmental hazard; it’s a damning representation of a government blinded by its pursuit of monetary gains, unheeding of the consequences it inflicts on its people and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem. The stark environmental hypocrisy demands accountability, urging citizens to question whether their safety and comfort are mere collateral damage in the government’s relentless pursuit of financial gains.
