Himachal HC orders fresh inspection, Cleanliness overhaul at Chadwick Falls, Shimla
Shimla, May 17,
The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has issued fresh directions for immediate and sustainable cleanliness measures at Chadwick Falls in Shimla, taking suo motu cognizance in a pending matter. The Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Ranjan Sharma observed lapses in solid waste management and ecological upkeep, and called for coordinated efforts by state authorities, local panchayats, and wildlife officials.
The directions were passed while hearing an application filed in a disposed-of Public Interest Litigation (CWPIL) concerning preservation of Chadwick Falls, originally decided on August 7, 2018. During the hearing, the Court reviewed a comprehensive field report submitted by the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Shimla, which revealed rusted dustbins, glass bottles and plastic waste strewn across the trail, and signs of minor sewage presence.
Referring to the condition of the area, the Bench noted, “The report suggests severe environmental degradation, which may take place and cause threat to the ecology of the area.” Photographs appended to the report showed litter not only near the waterfall but also along the 600–700 meter unmetalled trail leading to it. Though officials of SJPNL claimed that sewage lines had been repaired and “no active stream of sewage waste was found mixed with Chadwick Falls,” the Court remained concerned about garbage being dumped from above the site.
The Pollution Control Board’s report dated January 23, 2025, confirmed that water samples taken from the site showed “no presence of sewage or fecal matter,” with total and fecal coliform levels within permissible limits. However, the report acknowledged “significant littering of solid waste at the starting of trail,” prompting the Court to issue further instructions.
Noting that positive steps had been initiated, the Bench stated, “Apparently positive steps have been taken by the concerned officials after intervention by this Court,” but added that sustainable and community-driven solutions are still required.
The Court took judicial notice of the area’s inclusion within the Potters Hill Conservation Reserve, transferred to the Wildlife Wing in 2008. A comprehensive management plan has been approved, entry ticket booths have been installed, and local self-help groups from nearby Gram Panchayats—Neri, Sangti, and now Chailly—have been roped in to manage eco-tourism. A refundable security deposit of ₹20 per visitor carrying plastic is being collected to curb littering. The Court directed that “whatever ticketing receipts are generated, the same are to be utilized for the cleanliness of the said area.”
However, issues remain regarding garbage collection from nearby villages. The Amicus Curiae, Advocate Deven Khanna, suggested setting up a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and streamlining waste transfer to the Municipal Corporation’s Bariyal plant. The Court directed relevant departments to issue “necessary instructions” and ensure a system is put in place to maintain ecological balance.
An inspection has now been scheduled on June 30, 2025, at 10:30 A.M. by the DLSA Secretary, and the matter will next be heard on July 14, 2025, after Gram Panchayat Chailly is formally served notice and impleaded in the matter.
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