Diary Times News Service
Shimla, August 12: The picturesque city of Shimla, once famous for its serene landscape and colonial architecture, is now facing the growing crisis of visual pollution. The fast pace of urbanization, coupled with unplanned and haphazard development has led to an increase in visual clutter, which has diminished the natural beauty and historical charm of the city to a great extent.
Visual pollution in Shimla has manifested in various forms, from a tangled web of wires crossing the city skyline to the proliferation of billboards and poorly maintained buildings. This unsightly clutter has diminished the aesthetic appeal of the “Queen of Hills” and has raised concerns about its impact on public health and the economy of the city, which is heavily dependent on tourism.
Minister for Public Works and Urban Development Vikramaditya Singh has taken note of this burning issue. During a meeting with officials of Municipal Corporation Shimla and Urban Development Department, Singh expressed his concern over the visual environment of the city. He highlighted tangled cables on electricity poles as a significant contributor to visual pollution, posing a threat to both beauty and safety.
During the meeting, Singh said, “Visual pollution caused by cluttered wires and other unsightly elements is unacceptable. It diminishes the historic charm of Shimla and poses a risk to the safety of our citizens.” He has directed the electricity board to remove these cables immediately and submit a progress report within a week.
Research shows that visual pollution does more than spoil the beauty of a place; it can also have a detrimental effect on the mental health of residents. Studies have shown that exposure to cluttered and visually polluted environments can increase stress levels and anxiety. In a city like Shimla, where the environment plays a vital role in quality of life, addressing visual pollution is not just an aesthetic concern but also a public health priority.
Singh also emphasized the need for speedy completion of critical infrastructure projects under the Smart City initiative besides immediate removal of ugly wires. These projects, including construction of parking lots, bridges and lifts, are essential to decongest the city and improve the overall urban experience. Singh urged the councilors to identify suitable locations for new parking facilities in their wards, stressing the importance of solving the persistent parking challenges in Shimla.
In addition, Singh discussed plans to enhance community spaces, such as the creation of clubs for senior citizens in every ward and playgrounds for children. These initiatives are part of a comprehensive strategy to ensure that Shimla remains a liveable city that balances development with the preservation of its unique character.
The Minister also briefed on the much-awaited Bulk Water Supply Scheme (Suni-Shakrodi), which is the first drinking water scheme of Shimla Water Management Corporation. He assured that the project will become operational soon, solving the long-standing problem of water shortage in the city.
As Shimla develops, the challenge of maintaining its visual and environmental integrity is becoming even more severe. Minister Vikramaditya Singh’s recent actions underscore the importance of preserving the city’s historic charm while accommodating the necessary urban growth. By tackling visual pollution head on, Shimla aims to reclaim its status as one of India’s most beautiful and serene hill stations.
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