Residents seek removal of abandoned rain shelter
Residents of Solan are urging the dismantling of an unused rain shelter at Saproon along the Solan-Shimla highway. The shelter, located near the entrance of Housing Board Colony in Ward Number 12, has become a refuge for drug addicts and a hub for anti-social activities. Women have expressed fears of passing by the area due to frequent misbehaviour by individuals under the influence.
The shelter, situated several feet above the highway, is now obsolete as no buses stop nearby, and new rain shelters have been constructed along the widened highway. Vishal, a local resident, stated, “It no longer serves commuters and has become a nuisance.”
The Municipal Corporation faces challenges in removing the structure, which obstructs the construction of a pedestrian path leading to the Housing Board Colony. This path, eagerly awaited by residents, aims to provide safer access as the highway’’s four-laning had cut off their direct approach.
Ward councillor Rajeev Kaura highlighted that reckless parking near the shelter has further worsened the situation, disrupting traffic and residents’’ movement. He emphasised that removing the shelter is crucial for constructing the pedestrian path.
Once managed by the Public Works Department, the shelter has been neglected for decades. Previously, it generated revenue through hoardings but now presents an eyesore due to its dilapidated condition. Despite being cash-strapped, the civic body allocated funds for the pedestrian path, which remains stalled due to the unused shelter.
Residents are now pressing authorities for swift action to dismantle the structure, eliminate the hub of anti-social activities, and expedite the construction of the much-needed pedestrian path.