Shimla: The historic Shimla Ice Skating Club has urged the Himachal Pradesh government to provide alternative accommodation before dismantling its existing building as part of the proposed all-weather ice skating rink project.
The state government has reportedly issued directions to vacate the club house building by March 19, as the structure along with adjoining servant quarters is likely to be dismantled to make way for the development of an all-weather ice skating rink in the city.
Following the development, the Ice Skating Club convened an emergency meeting on Sunday, where members held detailed discussions on the issue. The club has decided to approach the government with a request that in the first phase of the project, the proposed building on the adjacent land should be constructed and handed over to the club so that its activities can continue without disruption.
Members said that an immediate eviction would severely affect the club’s functioning, as there would be no place to store equipment or conduct activities. A delegation of the club will soon submit a memorandum to the state government highlighting their concerns.
Club officials also stated that so far no written order has been received by the governing body, and the instructions to vacate the premises have only been conveyed orally.
Club president Manpreet Singh Sambi and secretary Rajat Malhotra said that after detailed deliberations, the club has resolved to take up the matter with the government and seek a practical solution that protects the institution while allowing modernization of the facility.
The issue has also raised concerns about the jobs of three regular employees currently working with the club, whose future remains uncertain if the building is vacated without any alternative arrangement.
Advisor and former president Bhuvnesh Banga said the Shimla Ice Skating Club is not just a sports facility but a historic institution of the city, and steps should be taken to preserve its legacy while upgrading infrastructure.
Established more than 106 years ago, the club has also been seeking renewal of its lease, which expired in October. Members fear that vacating the premises without a clear rehabilitation plan could put the very existence of the historic club at risk.
