Himachal: Residents demand removal of abandoned rain shelter

Himachal Pradesh: Residents of Solan are urging for the removal of a disused rain shelter at Saproon along the Solan-Shimla highway. The shelter, located near the entrance of the Housing Board Colony in Ward No. 12, has become a haven for drug addicts and a hub of anti-social activities. Women have expressed fear in passing through the area as it is often abused by drunken individuals. Located several feet above the highway, the shelter is now outdated as no buses stop nearby and new rain shelters have been constructed along the widened highway. “It is no longer useful for commuters and has become a nuisance,” said Vishal, a local resident. The municipal corporation is facing challenges in removing the structure, which is hampering the construction of a footpath leading to the Housing Board Colony.

The path, eagerly awaited by the residents, is aimed at providing safe access, as the four-laning of the highway had cut off their direct access. Ward councillor Rajiv Kaura highlighted that the situation has been worsened by reckless parking near the shelter, disrupting the movement of traffic and residents. He emphasised that the removal of the shelter is crucial for the construction of a walkway. The shelter, once managed by the Public Works Department, has been neglected for decades. Earlier, it generated revenue through hoardings, but now it is an eyesore due to its dilapidated condition. Despite a cash crunch, the civic body allocated funds for the walkway, which is stalled due to the unused shelter. Residents are now pressuring the authorities to take quick action to demolish the structure, put an end to the hub of anti-social activities and expedite the construction of the much-needed walkway.