Nearly seven years after its grand inauguration in July 2018, Glen Nature Park in Shimla lies in a state of neglect and decay. Once a popular destination for locals and tourists, the park now presents a grim picture of official apathy, marked by a tattered welcome signboard, a partially burnt and broken rain shelter, and garbage piles scattered across its expanse.
Spread across 164 hectares and surrounded by Annandale, Chaura Maidan, Summer Hill, and Boileau Ganj, the park features three scenic walking trails — including the historic British-era Brass Path that leads to the Indian Institute of Advanced Study, offering views of cedar, pine, and oak forests. The other two trails connect to Himachal Pradesh University at Summer Hill and Sangti village, making the park a natural corridor through some of Shimla’s most picturesque and peaceful areas.
Entry is free, and the area once attracted large crowds.
What Made Glean Nature Park Special?
Glean Nature Park was created to promote eco-tourism and encourage people to connect with nature. It had walking trails, benches to sit on, information boards about plants and animals, and even small picnic areas. It was a favourite spot for:
- Families looking for a quiet day out
- Students on school trips to learn about the environment
- Tourists who wanted a break from city noise
- Nature lovers and bird watchers
The Park was taken care of by the forest department and was supported by local communities in the beginning.
Glen Nature Park: From Green Paradise to Neglect
Over time, due to lack of regular government support and rising neglect, local involvement has significantly decreased. Many residents have stopped participating in upkeep activities, feeling discouraged by the growing vandalism and littering. Limited resources and absence of proper coordination have further reduced community efforts.
The Current Situation: A Park in Ruins
Today, Glean Nature Park is no longer the green escape it once was. People who visit now often find:
- Broken benches and damaged paths
- Plastic waste and food wrappers thrown around
- Untrimmed bushes and overgrown plants
- Faded or missing signboards
- No staff or guards to guide or manage visitors
The Park has deteriorated into a dumping ground and hotspot for hooliganism, with reports of vandalism, burnt shelters used for cooking, and garbage from nearby households, as community efforts like those by Gram Sudhar Sabha fall short due to lack of government support—leaving visitors shocked and disheartened.
Some parts of the park even smell bad because of garbage that hasn’t been cleaned for weeks.
Wildlife, which was once common in the park, has also disappeared. Without a clean and peaceful environment, birds and small animals have moved away.
The Park is divided by a main road, with the side under Gawahi Gram Panchayat in relatively better condition. Local groups like the Gram Sudhar Sabha have repeatedly reported the situation to police and forest officials but say responses are short-lived and lack long-term impact.
Recently, Forest Officer Pawan Chauhan acknowledges the challenges. He notes that while there is no permanent staff at the park, forest personnel visit periodically and occasional cleanliness drives are conducted. The damaged shelter and signboard, he says, will be repaired once funds are available.
Despite some trail and road repairs following landslides in 2023, locals stress the need for regular staffing and stronger official commitment to revive Glen Nature Park and protect it from further degradation.
Conclusion: A Park Worth Saving
Glean Nature Park is a beautiful natural spot that still has the chance to be saved. With a little care, support from the government, and help from the community, this once-loved retreat in Shimla can become green and peaceful again. It’s not just a park — it’s a reminder of how close we can be to nature if we choose to protect it.