Congress MLA Takes Legal Action Against Damaging 100 Solar Lights
Congress MLA Sudhir Sharma from Dharamsala has filed a First Information Report (FIR) against unidentified individuals responsible for damaging 100 solar lights along the trek to Himani Chamunda temple. The complaint, lodged at Nirwana police station near Dharamsala, has prompted the police to register an FIR under Section 3 of the PDP (Prevention of Destruction of Public Property) Act.
Political Intervention and Assurances
Sudhir Sharma, in response to the incident, reported that he discussed the matter with Chief Minister Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu. The Chief Minister assured him of taking action against forest officials allegedly involved in damaging the solar lights installed by locals along the Himani Chamunda trek.
Allegations of Light Pollution and Forest Department’s Response
According to sources, the Forest Department removed the solar lights based on an anonymous complaint, citing “light pollution in the forest area.” The resentment among locals is palpable, as the trek to the temple spans approximately 12 kilometers. The Forest Department’s decision has sparked discontent, especially considering the community’s efforts in developing the infrastructure around Himani Chamunda temple.
Deputy Commissioner Kangra, Nipun Jindal, clarified that the removal of solar lights was initiated by forest officials following an unidentified complaint about light pollution caused by these lights.
Historical Attempts at Development and Local Contributions
The temple has been a focus for successive governments in Himachal Pradesh, aiming to develop it into a religious tourist spot. Previous attempts, such as the heli taxi service project in 2011, faced challenges due to changes in government. The Congress government’s allocation of the ropeway project to Usha Breco in 2015 was canceled by the BJP government due to a lack of ground-level progress within the stipulated time.
While various proposals for the temple’s trek development have surfaced, locals have taken matters into their own hands, contributing to the infrastructure at Himani Chamunda temple. The recent removal of solar lights by forest officials has, however, sparked indignation among the people of the Chamunda region.
Source：tribuneindia.com
