The Himachal Pradesh High Court has issued a stern warning to state officials over inordinate delays in providing essential facilities at the Atal Institute of Medical Super Specialities (AIMSS) in Chamiana, Shimla. The court indicated that responsible secretaries could be summoned personally to explain the lack of progress.
Court's Stern Warning to Officials
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj expressed clear frustration. The bench stated that if necessary work is not completed by the next hearing, the concerned secretaries would be expected to appear in court. The judges noted that these officials were present during proceedings on December 5, 2024, yet over a year later, substantial progress remains elusive.
Critical Infrastructure Gaps Identified
Reviewing reports from the amicus curiae and a high-powered committee member, the court highlighted several glaring deficiencies. A major concern is the absence of directional signboards on crucial routes leading to the hospital, including at:
- Tara Devi
- Ghanati/Tutu
- Kufri/Naldehra
- ISBT to Bhatakuffer
- Victory Tunnel to Sanjauli via IGMC
- Circular Road
A critical 900-meter section of the 2.4-km road from Bhatakuffer to AIMSS remains a single lane, despite prior orders for widening. The court directed the Public Works Department (PWD) and forest departments to release funds and finalize administrative approvals by January 30.
Directives on Utilities, Parking, and Connectivity
The bench also ordered the removal of obstructive high-tension and domestic electricity poles hindering development. It mandated the release of Rs 6.16 lakh for installing a solar-powered street-lighting system along the route. Furthermore, the PWD and M/s Gawar Shimla Highway Private Limited must complete metalling work on a 200-meter stretch leading to the hospital by the January 30 deadline.
The court flagged a severe parking shortage, noting the hospital requires space for 1,000 vehicles but currently has only 60 spots. The PWD secretary must submit a concrete plan to address this crisis. Similarly, the managing director of the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC) was directed to file an affidavit detailing plans to improve travel connectivity between AIMSS Chamiana and both the ISBT and Indira Gandhi Medical College (IGMC) in Shimla.
In a humanitarian note, the court acknowledged that NGO Almighty Blessing is providing free meals to patients and attendants. It directed authorities to temporarily allocate space for the NGO so that meals are not consumed on the roadside.
