Urgent Appeal to Halt Winter Carnival Activities at Shimla’s Vulnerable Ridge Water Tank
Concerns Over Structural Integrity and Public Safety Prompt Call for Immediate Action
Shimla, December 25: A letter was submitted today to the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, urging immediate intervention regarding the ongoing ‘Winter Carnival’ and its venue at the Ridge Water Tank in Shimla. The appeal highlights serious concerns over the historical and structural vulnerabilities of the site, calling for a halt to all public events on the tank, which is located in the heart of the city.
While the Shimla Municipal Corporation’s initiative to host the Winter Carnival is acknowledged, the letter expresses strong reservations about holding events at this particular location. The Ridge Water Tank, built more than 140 years ago, was constructed without cement, relying only on lime and mortar for its structure. Over the years, cracks have developed, raising alarm about the tank’s structural stability. With a water capacity of 10 lakh gallons, the tank is a significant infrastructure asset, but its deteriorating condition poses risks.
The tank is categorized as a “very high vulnerable” zone in Shimla’s Hazard Vulnerability Risk Assessment (HVRA). The HVRA has indicated that the northern slopes of the Ridge, including areas like Lakkar Bazaar and the Old City Bus Stand, are prone to geological hazards such as subsidence and earthquake-induced ground failure. These “sinking zones” make the area particularly unsuitable for heavy public functions and constructions that could further stress the tank’s integrity.
The letter also references previous directives from the state government and the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which have emphasized avoiding activities that could worsen the vulnerabilities of the Ridge. These include prohibitions on commercial activities within 100 meters of the Ridge, as outlined in a 2007 Government Order (GO). The ongoing use of the Ridge for public events, including the Winter Carnival, contradicts these established safety protocols.
Recent instances, such as the use of fire department tankers and a planned AIDS function, have drawn public concern. Though the latter was moved after public outcry, it highlights a disregard for the risks posed by such events. Additionally, the current Winter Carnival stage lacks the necessary legal and structural approvals. The Deputy Commissioner of Shimla had sought a structural certificate for the Ridge tank from Shimla Jal Prabandhan Nigam Limited (SJPNL), but the request was denied, indicating the lack of proper legal sanction for the ongoing setup.
The letter calls for a moratorium on all activities at the Ridge, in strict compliance with the High Court’s orders and the 2007 Government Order. It warns that failure to act could result in contempt petitions against the authorities involved. Tikender Singh Panwar, the author of the letter, has specifically urged the Chief Secretary to relocate the Winter Carnival stage away from the Ridge Water Tank to avoid potential disaster and safeguard the region’s heritage.
As Shimla grows in popularity as a tourist and cultural destination, balancing the preservation of its historical assets with modern festivities is increasingly critical. Protecting the Ridge Water Tank from further activities is essential to ensure that Shimla’s natural and historical legacy remains intact for future generations.
Continuing the achievement of the journey of effectiveness and credibility of more than 10 years in the career of journalism, as a woman journalist, I am Serving as the founder, promoter and editor of DiaryTimes with the trust and support of all. My credible coverage may not have given a big shape to the numbers, but my journey presents articles that make you aware of the exact and meaningful situations of Himachal’s politics, ground issues related to the public, business, tourism and the difficult geographical conditions of the state and financial awareness. DiaryTimes, full of the experience of my precise editorial expertise, is awakening the flame of credible journalism among all of you, so that the eternal flame of meaningful change can be lit in the life of the people of the state and the atrocities being committed against the people can be brought to the fore, I am motivated for that. If even a small change comes with the power of my journalism and the whole world becomes a witness to that issues, then I will consider myself fortunate.
