Nailing Nature’s Coffin: Historic Ridge’s Green Sentinels Under Hammer

Shimla, Dec 21 Ritanjali Hastir

In the lap of the majestic Himalayas, where once tranquility and natural beauty defined the city, a silent decay is unfolding, echoing the consequences of unbridled greed. Himachal Pradesh, a state celebrated for its pristine landscapes and ecological balance, seems to have forgotten the harsh lessons of recent catastrophes that wreaked havoc on life and property.

The city is now witnessing the erosion of its essence to attract more tourists. The towering Ridge Chinar Tree, standing as a sentinel for more than a century, and the iconic Horse Chestnut Tree near the Ridge Tank, along with other trees, have fallen victim to the insatiable appetite for progress. The very essence that made Shimla a sanctuary for those seeking solace in the lap of nature is being sacrificed at the altar of unbridled ambition.

The recent installation of lights, using plastic clamps, is a glaring example of this disregard for nature. These actions not only violate legal directives but also signify the erosion of the city’s character. Innumerable nails have been hammered into the trunks and branches to install various types of LED lights.

In a heart-wrenching display of negligence, the very laws meant to protect these venerable trees have been flouted. The Himachal Pradesh High Court’s notification, explicitly prohibiting the hammering of nails or use of publicity materials on green trees, lies forgotten. Plastic nail clamps, each tree bearing the burden of more than 500 nails, now mar the once-pristine landscape.

Shimla MC Commissioner, Bhupiner Attri, defends the move, stating, “Several cities have used LED lights to decorate, and we are doing it for the first time in Shimla. We are environment-friendly and make sure that no trees are damaged. Nails are not being hammered, and this is hardly a 1 mm prick.”

“This is atrocious; broken branches will not recover either. I wonder where the environmentalists are at this time of need. A nail is a nail irrespective of its length, and it is a violation of court directives. Strict action should be taken against the contractors and all parties involved. This is not only an assault on trees but, at the same time a waste of public money, lamented former mayor Sanjay Chauhan.

Whereas DC Shimla Aditya Negi says, “Since the matter has been brought to his attention, he will ask the DFO to inspect and take the necessary action as required.”

Sukhu’s government appears to be on a relentless mission to transform Shimla into the world’s largest tourist destination, regardless of the cost and, seemingly, regardless of heritage. The neglect of Shimla’s iconic landmarks, such as the dilapidated Town Hall, stands as a stark testament to this administration’s blatant disregard for the city’s historical treasures. The once vibrant heart of the town now reeks of stale food, a pungent odor pervading the surroundings towards the Ridge. Amidst this olfactory assault, the ancient trees, silent witnesses to generations, are now condemned to wither away. These majestic sentinels, once providing shelter on rainy days and relief from scorching heat, are destined to slowly succumb. In the face of this impending demise, the government remains indifferent, seemingly oblivious to the rich tapestry of memories, emotions, and history that these trees encapsulate. As they fade away, so does a part of Shimla’s soul, sacrificed at the altar of relentless development. The legacy of indifference will be a bitter inheritance for future generations.