SHIMLA/ RECONG PEO/KEYLONG: The growing environmental violations across Himachal Pradesh have sparked public outrage. Locals and environmental activists are demanding strict action against officials who turn a blind eye to these issues.
Authorities like Pradhans, secretaries, vice-chairpersons, chairpersons, SDMs, DCs, and pollution board officials now face fines or jail time for failing to enforce the law.
The era of “Kuch Nahin Hoga” (nothing will happen) is over.
The trash and filth that is witnessed at the north portal of Atal Tunnel in Lahaul or other places or in Recongpeop will not be just dismissed.
The trash being dumped by Chopal Nagar panchayat in the forest down Lankarvir temple will not be just dismissed.
The filth being dumped in Shalivi khad in Nerwa town by the nagar panchayat or being dumped in Churhdhar by the pilgrims or in Rorhru in the Pabbar river will not be just dismissed.
DCs, SDMs. DFOs, pradhan ects are all liable to be brought to justice under the law.
DC Lahaul, Pradhan Sissu or DC Kinnaur or chairperson zila parishad or secretaries will face law and will be brought to justice if they fail in their duty to enforce the rule law.
The comprehensive High Court order has now fixed responsibilities and accountability in this regard across Himachal Pradesh.
Accountability begins now. Despite multiple reports exposing the inefficiency of the system, government inaction has only fueled the anger.
Locals are questioning why laws meant to protect the environment aren’t being enforced at the grassroots.
The demand for immediate, visible action is gaining ground. The public is done with excuses.
Pressure is mounting. Officials can no longer afford to sit idle.
The time for inaction is over, and failure to enforce the law will bring swift consequences.
Delivering the order of the high court at the panchayat level at a recent workshop in Recong Peo, Kinnaur, Deven Khanna, Amicus Curiae for the Himachal Pradesh High Court, had a clear message.
Addressing Panchayat Pradhans and Secretaries, he reminded them of their duty to keep villages, water bodies, and forests clean.
Khanna emphasized that the High Court has empowered local officials to act immediately on waste management.
Failure to do so, he warned, could lead to fines, prosecution, and even jail terms for Panchayat officials.
He pointed to Manali, where non-compliance with waste management rules led to fines of ₹4.5 crore.
Khanna stressed that local officials can issue challans (fines) of up to ₹5,000 for improper garbage disposal. He made it clear that this isn’t just a formality—it’s a legal obligation.
Ignoring it will lead to personal accountability. Secretaries and Pradhans must enforce waste segregation, ensure proper collection systems, and keep rivers and forests litter-free.
He also highlighted the larger impact of neglect.
Polluted environments not only harm nature but also public health, especially for children and the elderly.
Khanna concluded with a stern warning—this is about more than just cleanliness. It’s about enforcing the law.
If local officials fail, they will face severe legal action, he warned citing the comprehensive High Court Order which he delivered at the remotest and lowest level.
