High Court Cracks Down: Councillors and Inspectors Face the Heat Over Filthy Toilets, Garbage Piles..

SHIMLA: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has had enough of the mess, quite literally.

In a landmark order on 3rd September 2024, the court sent out a strong message to all elected Councillors and Sanitary Inspectors – clean up your act or face consequences.

The days of passing the buck are over. The court made it crystal clear: dirty public toilets, garbage-filled streams, and hillside hotspots are your responsibility, and there’s no room for excuses anymore.

Councillors and Inspectors Held Accountable

Civic duty isn't just a term in the Municipal Corporation Act – it’s a legal obligation.

Councillors and Inspectors are now directly accountable for public hygiene in their wards.

The court ordered them to inspect toilets, clean up garbage spots, and take down unauthorized banners and flexes.

The Amicus Curiae, Advocate Deven Khanna, highlighted how local authorities have been slacking off and emphasized that it's time they step up and start enforcing hygiene standards. 

 Filthy Toilets Under Scrutiny

The court took a hard look at the state of public toilets across Shimla and along National Highway-05, and the findings were shocking.

Toilets in  public spots were found in terrible conditions, making them unfit for use.

The court wasn’t in the mood for excuses – it’s time for tangible improvements.

On top of that, the proposed designs for new public toilets in Shimla, equipped with solar panels, rainwater harvesting, and disabled-friendly facilities, were reviewed.

The court pushed for these designs to be made part of the building bylaws to give them legal backing.

Public Toilets and National Highways: A Mess That Needs Cleaning

The court wasn’t happy with the condition of public toilets at toll plazas either, especially at Sanwara on the Parwanoo-Kaithlighat stretch.

NHAI was blasted for the lack of cleanliness, with dirty and unmaintained toilets being the norm.

The court demanded immediate action – proper lighting, water supply, and continuous maintenance are non-negotiable.

A team of officials, including the Secretary of District Legal Services Authority, Solan, and an NHAI official, was appointed to keep a close watch and ensure these facilities stay clean.

 Plantation Efforts Along Highways

In a rare nod of approval, the court praised the collaborative work between NHAI and HPPWD’s Horticulture Wing on the Solan-Kaithlighat section.

The authorities identified 47 spots for plantation, a crucial step for environmental restoration.

The court, however, made it clear – this work must be monitored to ensure it meets the agreed standards.

 Focus on Accountability and Action

The court’s orders were not just about hygiene but accountability. Local officials have been given clear marching orders, and the court will be watching closely.

The next hearing will review their progress, but the message is already loud and clear: there’s no escape from responsibility.

It’s about time local authorities wake up to their civic duties.

The court is serious, and so should they be. Public cleanliness isn't just a task – it’s their job.