On thin ice

South Asia's only open-air natural ice skating rink in Shimla, Himachal Pradesh, now lies in a decrepit state, with environmental degradation and neglect threatening its very existence.

"The most serious environmental threat to the rink is the adjoining bus station. Every day, scores of buses emit noxious fumes that not only pollute the area but also raise the temperature around it," said Bhavanesh Banga, honorary secretary of the 82-year-old Shimla Ice Skating Club. "Despite repeated requests, the state government hasn't done anything about moving the bus station," he alleged.

The high-rise buildings mushrooming on the periphery of the rink have added to the damage, obstructing the wind that is crucial for ice formation.