Shimla, August 10 — Shimla may call itself the Queen of Hills, but for its own people — especially seniors and the handicapped — it’s turning into a city of hurdles and humiliation.
Brigadier (Retd) D.S. Chhajta, 73, knows it first-hand. Three spinal surgeries, a cardiac procedure, and limited mobility didn’t spare him from Shimla’s parking nightmare.
All he needed was to file an affidavit at the DC office — but without any reserved slots for residents or disabled persons, he was forced into a ₹1,550 parking mess.
“No concession for locals, no help for seniors, just rude ‘move along’ orders,” he said.
The ordeal included navigating through private parking, paid lifts, and endless walking — an exhausting and expensive trip for someone with his medical history.
While VIPs, MLAs park free outside Bridge View on The Ridge, and The Mall, heritage zone ordinary residents are left circling for space.
Locals say the policy is clear — outsiders first, taxpayers last.
Chhajta has demanded a 50% discount for residents and handicapped persons, 70% for veterans and those over 70, lower charges for women, and an end to VIP parking privileges.
The Shimla Municipal Corporation has yet to respond.
Shimla may shine in tourist brochures, but for the people who call it home, it’s becoming unlivable. The question is — will anyone listen?
#ShimlaApathy #LocalsLast #TouristFirstPolicy #UnlivableQueen #ParkingLoot
