Shimla, June 1
Himachal Pradesh High Court has sought a fresh and comprehensive affidavit from the Shimla Municipal Corporation (SMC) detailing the corrective measures taken to address sanitation-related deficiencies identified during inspections across all the city’s 34 wards.
Hearing the long-pending public interest litigation CWPIL No. 6 of 2017, Court on its Own Motion vs State of Himachal Pradesh and Others, a Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi on May 26 observed that despite earlier inspections and reports highlighting unhygienic public toilets, garbage hotspots, unauthorized banners and posters, the civic body had not placed an updated affidavit before the court indicating the exact and effective steps taken to rectify the shortcomings.
The court noted that the Municipal Commissioner, Shimla, had earlier informed that repeated inspections of all 34 wards would be conducted by the Chief Sanitary Inspector along with concerned ward councillors to identify unhygienic toilets, garbage accumulation points and other sanitation issues.
However, the bench observed that more than a year had elapsed and no fresh affidavit had been filed depicting the present status of the matter.
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During the hearing, the petitioner side pointed to continuing concerns regarding sanitation management, including improper maintenance of public conveniences, garbage disposal issues and the presence of unauthorized posters and flex boards in the town.
The court also took note of an affidavit filed by Sulabh International Social Service Organisation (HP State Branch).
According to the affidavit, defunct water taps in public toilets have been replaced, damaged flooring and fixtures repaired, and sanitary pads made available in pay-and-use toilets managed by the organisation.
The State Government informed the court that the process of engaging sanitation workers through sanitation committees was continuing and measures were being undertaken to strengthen sanitation services.
The matter assumes significance amid the ongoing agitation by sanitation workers in Shimla. However, the latest court order does not specifically address the current confrontation between sanitation workers and the Municipal Corporation, remaining focused on compliance with sanitation and public hygiene directions issued in the PIL.
The matter has now been listed for further hearing on July 21, 2026.
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