Respect for the fallen: Dharamsala community opposes EV station plan

In a united show of concern and solidarity, representatives from various NGOs and civil society organisations gathered at the Shaheed Smarak (War Memorial) in Dharamsala to protest the district administration’s decision to allocate a significant portion of the memorial’s parking area for an electric vehicle (EV) charging station.

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The protest saw participation from a broad coalition of community bodies, including Jan Chetna, Rotary Clubs of Dharamsala, Lions Club, Barol Sudhar Sabha, Vyapaar Mandal Kotwali Bazar, Indian Ex-Servicemen League (HP) and the Gorkha Association. All expressed their support for the War Memorial Development Society, which manages the site and is led by Army veterans.

The contentious land, approximately 325 square yards, has reportedly been handed over to the Transport Department, which subsequently entered into an agreement with Reliance Jio to develop the EV station. However, since 1977, the area has been used as a parking facility for tourists visiting the memorial. In 2001, it was officially placed under the administrative control of the War Memorial Development Society.

Colonel KKS Dhadwal (Retd), president of the Society, called the move “unfortunate” and deeply disrespectful to the memory of fallen soldiers. “This decision, formally taken in 2022, not only compromises the functionality of the memorial but also dishonours the sacrifices made by our brave soldiers — from the 1947 conflicts to the Kargil War in 1999,” he said.

In response to the public outcry, Kangra Deputy Commissioner Hemraj Bairwa acknowledged the seriousness of the issue and the sentiments attached to it. Speaking to The Tribune, he said, “We understand the emotional and symbolic significance this issue holds for the veterans. We are committed to resolving it amicably, which could include identifying an alternative location for the EV station or redesigning the facility in a way that respects the interests of the War Memorial Society.”