Residents Oppose Proposed Garhala Hilltop Helipad, Call HPPWD Order 'Ecologically Unsound and Politically Motivated'
Shimla/Chopal:
A proposal to develop a helipad atop the ecologically sensitive Garhala hill in Chopal has sparked sharp opposition from local residents, who have questioned both the necessity of the project and the Himachal Pradesh Public Works Department's (HPPWD) office order approving its preliminary estimate.
An office order issued by the Superintending Engineer, 4th Circle, HPPWD, Shimla, grants administrative approval of ₹74.47 lakh for a preliminary estimate to construct a road leading to the proposed helipad near Garhala Temple. The estimate includes road formation cutting, cross-drainage works, parapets, breast walls, retaining structures and dumping arrangements.
The order also states that the work can commence only after the land is transferred free of cost by the landowners to the government, besides obtaining mandatory forest and other statutory clearances.
However, residents have termed the order "illogical" and questioned how land could be surrendered free of cost by landowners when, according to them, the land belongs to the Forest Department itself. They have demanded that the government clarify the legal status of the land and explain the basis of the proposal.
Residents of Chopal, Thana Chhamdhar, Manjhotli, Shilli, Bodhna and Mandal say Garhala is an eco-sensitive Devbhoomi site with immense religious, cultural and environmental significance. They argue there has never been any public demand for a helipad at the hilltop.
"If the government genuinely wants helicopter access during medical emergencies or disaster situations, helicopters can land at Chopal itself. There is absolutely no need to construct a helipad or heliport on top of Garhala hill by disturbing its fragile ecology," residents said.
They warned that developing aviation infrastructure on the hilltop would inevitably involve further hill cutting, construction activity and increased human intervention, permanently damaging the area's natural landscape and biodiversity.
Residents also pointed to what they described as an ironic contradiction in the HPPWD order. While the department has sanctioned expenditure for constructing a road to the proposed helipad, locals say a motorable road to the Garhala hilltop already exists.
"It makes no sense. One wonders what exactly the PWD is talking about when the road has already been constructed. Is it proposing another road, widening the existing one, or simply creating a justification for expenditure? The department owes the public an explanation," they said.
The residents further alleged that the proposal appears to have been driven by vested political interests rather than any genuine public demand, claiming no consultation was held with local communities before the project was approved.
They have urged the state government to withdraw the proposal, arguing that Garhala should remain a protected religious and ecological landmark rather than being converted into aviation infrastructure.
While the HPPWD order makes it clear that the project is subject to land transfer, forest clearance and availability of funds before any work begins, local residents have vowed to oppose any attempt to alter what they describe as one of the region's most pristine and sacred hilltops.
