Huge Violation of Orders by Pro-Boxing Organisation to Build Stage on Ridge’s Core Area
5 min read
SJPNL & District Administration both
Fail to Oversee Orders
Who IS TO BLAME?
Shimla, July 26 Ritanjali Hastir
Shimla’s historic Ridge, known for its scenic beauty and cultural significance, recently became the site for a Pro-Boxing Tournament, organized by the Pro-Boxing Organization, Himachal Pradesh, in the memory of late former Chief Minister Virbhadra Singh. However, although the tournament may seem appealing from an entertainment standpoint, it raises significant concerns related to safety, especially given the sinking zone status and the impact of sonic waves. Above all, the ORDERS issued by each Administrative Department, be it Home, SJPNL, or the Municipal Corporation were blatantly violated. These documents as shared prove that no construction was to be done on the Ridge’s Core area above the tank. But passion and enthusiasm to promote games get the better of the organisers. Equally to be blamed is the Shimla Administration which failed to stop the violators.
It is rather common knowledge that Ridge is recognized as a Sinking Zone, prone to the biggest disaster due to its ground subsidence and instability.
In their defense, both the administrators Aditya Negi, DC Shimla and Ashish Koli, Commissioner Municipal Corporation Shimla stated, “The permission for the event was given from the Home Department. When we organised the recently concluded Shimla Summer Festival, we took clearance from SJPNL before setting up stage.” But did they fail to read the ORDERS clearly? Which state that no structures are to be erected above the Tank Area, clearly earmarked with a Yellow Line. Who is to be blamed?
However, both suggested that the government should conduct a serious study and get scientific proof as per the load capacity of Ridge and based on those findings, further events should be allowed or strictly disallowed. If Ridge cannot take such a load there is no need for Shimla to become the second Joshimath and there should be a complete ban on any such activity irrespective of political hues. A long-term engineering-cum-conservation solution is the need of the hour to protect the Ridge instead of ‘band-aid’ interventions.
“Britishers who left a great heritage behind with structures that lasted for more than a century had previously identified the need for a separate venue, Annadale, for sporting activities considering the delicate nature of the Ridge yet the modern authorities decide to ignore their wisdom especially when their own made structure, roads or retaining walls fail to last even a decade or months at times,” expresses one of the senior residents of Shimla.
All the political parties are using space at their own convenience may it be to hold rallies, gain a vote bank, or in the name of social empowerment.
Sanjay Sood, BJP’s Shimla Urban candidate says, “It is disheartening that in the presence of the PWD minister, such event was hosted that too on Ridge which is currently sinking and is under repair. The event could have taken place at Indra Gandhi Sports Complex and there was no need to risk the heritage. People feel encouraged by political support, hence do not fear the law. The organizers, Pro-Boxing Organization should be penalized for not following the norms. I feel that Vikramaditya Singh should not encourage such behavior and set an example for others to follow.”
He further added, “You talk about Summer Festival or any other such event, loud music is nothing more than a deafening noise for the common people. It is high time that a complete ban is imposed on any activity that requires setting up of a stage at such a delicate spot.”
Former Deputy Mayor Tekinder Singh Panwar raised his voice against the violation of High Court orders by the local administration during the Summer Festival and sought intervention by Chief Justice M S Ramachandra Rao of the Himachal Pradesh High Court. Strict compliance with the Orders is the need of the hour, which should protect the portion of the Ridge where the water storage tank is located—marking it as a ‘no-activity’ area. Citing a court order of September 12, 2008, he added that it ‘strictly prohibits any gatherings on the portion of the Ridge in Shimla situated above a century-old water reservoir’. Panwar emphasized about the heritage value of the Ridge and its surrounding areas, which were developed by the British and possess unique aesthetics and land use regulations.
In view of the threat to the city’s lifeline, even the Shimla Nagrik Sabha, a Left-affiliated non-profit NGO, has been urging the government to ban political rallies and commercial activities on the Ridge and shift them to the Annandale ground, situated 4.5 km from the Ridge. It has been under the Indian Army’s control since World War II.
In addition to the sinking zone status, the Ridge is also affected by sonic waves, which contribute to its instability. These waves can exacerbate the sinking process, making it even more critical to avoid activities that put additional stress on the already fragile terrain. Recently in the name of development, there have been ongoing excavation and earth-digging projects in the area surrounding the Ridge. The activity has caused debris from the removal of soil and rock to accumulate near the historic Ice Skating Rink, which is considered Asia’s only natural rink. Such disturbances pose a threat to the fragile ecosystem and the preservation of this unique natural landmark.
On the other hand, Government wants the youth to say “no to drugs” but at the same time by organising boxing matches at Historic Ridge in the presence of young children in the vicinity; they were exposed to fight and bloodshed. Children, especially those who are unable to differentiate between a game and a real fight, may be psychologically affected by witnessing such intense physical confrontations in such an open event.
All the authorities seem helpless when it comes to dealing with people in power. The interrogating questions are, “Does this Heritage belong to common people or the politicians alone? Is Heritage’s existence dependent upon their whims and fancy? Does the common man’s role end post casting his vote or it is just the beginning… to fight for your RIGHT?
