‘Don’t be mute spectator to chaos’

SHIMLA: Writer and environmentalist BS Malhans is a member of the State Heritage Advisory Committee and is a former state convener of INTACH. He has spent his life painting, writing and depicting the serenity and beauty of the hills and its forests on canvas and paper. Upset with the present state of affairs, he says he feels helpless when the government finds ways to bypass the rules.

“The death of Kasauli’s TCP officer is very tragic. But I am still convinced that things will not improve till we make changes in the flawed system,” he says. “Most of us have remained mute spectators to the degeneration of Shimla and other towns of the state,” says Malhans. He wants people to develop a sense of belonging and live responsibly.

He says institutional infrastructure is needed to ensure strict implementation of laws. “The TCP department with skeletal staff is in dire need of technically sound officers so that planned growth can take place.” He advocates setting up of a school of hill architecture to ensure that the buildings are built as per requirement in the hilly terrain. “With power comes responsibility. It appears  this realization is lacking in those responsible for enforcing the rules,” he says. 

— Pratibha Chauhan