Shadows over Solan Jhuggi influx sparks safety & sanitation alarm

The gradual spread of jhuggi settlements across Solan city has raised concerns among residents, with civic authorities accused of turning a blind eye to the problem. Makeshift shanties have mushroomed in several prime areas, particularly near the Ayurvedic hospital at Rabon, where even railway-owned land is being encroached upon. Shanties lying along the railway road have been cleverly raised on a hill with no approach road and the inmates use the railway track for commuting, raising concern about safety.

A major cluster of such dwellings near the hospital has drawn strong reactions from local residents and public representatives. Solan Mayor Usha Sharma expressed alarm over the deteriorating security situation. “We have requested the Deputy Commissioner to clear the government land near the Ayurvedic hospital of illegal settlements due to the rising incidents of crimes like snatching and thefts,” she said.

Localities such as the Housing Board Colony, Rabon, Saproon and Khaleen—situated close to these settlements—have witnessed a noticeable increase in petty crimes. Residents claim the presence of jhuggi dwellers has made these areas unsafe, especially after dark. They allege that many residents of the shanties, involved in rag-picking and other informal jobs, often engage in theft and snatching.

Moreover, the lack of basic amenities in these settlements has led to serious hygiene and sanitation issues. Open defecation, garbage dumping and polluted surroundings have become a common sight, further frustrating nearby residents. “They live without toilets, water or electricity and their children also participate in unlawful activities,” said a local resident, expressing fears that unchecked encroachments could lead to more serious crimes.

The issue is not confined to Rabon. Similar unauthorised settlements have emerged along the Kather bypass, near eateries on the national highway, and alongside railway tracks in the Housing Board Colony. According to locals, these settlers often arrive from Kalka via train and later invite relatives to join them, accelerating the spread of encroachments.

Although the police had launched a verification drive to check the antecedents of such outsiders a few months ago, the effort has had little lasting impact. In the absence of consistent enforcement or eviction action, encroachments continue to expand. Residents fear that if immediate steps are not taken, Solan could soon resemble the jhuggi-clogged industrial town of Baddi.

Despite regular anti-encroachment drives, civic bodies have not touched these settlements, inadvertently encouraging their growth. The silence and inaction of the administration has only emboldened encroachers to occupy more land and deepen the crisis.