High Court Slams Laxity in Himachal’s Solid Waste Management and Pollution Control.. High Court pulled up DCs and Regulator for Laxity, directs them to submit affidavits in  court.

SHIMLA: In a stinging rebuke to the state’s handling of waste management and pollution, the Himachal Pradesh High Court,  took the government to task for its slack attitude toward critical environmental issues.

The Division Bench of Justices Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Sushil Kukreja, in the case of Suleman & Others vs. Union of India & Others, outlined significant failures across multiple municipalities and government bodies.

 Land for Waste Management:

  The court spotlighted the failure of several urban local bodies (ULBs) to allocate land for solid waste management.

The Deputy Commissioners of districts like Bilaspur, Chamba, Kangra, Kullu, Mandi, Shimla, Sirmour, Solan, and Una must submit affidavits explaining the unavailability of land for such facilities by July 4, 2024.

Plastic Flexi Hoardings:

   Despite the elections being over, illegal plastic banners are still rampant in Shimla. The Municipal Corporation has been ordered to clear these by the next hearing.

Sewage into River Chandrabhaga

At Sirsoo, Tandi, Keylong, Jispa, and Udaipur, untreated sewage and sullage are flowing into the Chandrabhaga River.

The Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul & Spiti must ensure no such discharges happen and file a compliance report by the next hearing.

Solid Waste Management Policy:

   The Director of Rural Development assured the court that a policy for solid waste management at the Panchayat level would be formulated within two weeks.

Details of plastic waste management units in Gram Panchayats must also be provided.

QR Codes on Water Bottles:

   The court questioned why India hasn't mandated QR codes on plastic water bottles, as 112 other countries have. The Deputy Solicitor General must clarify the government's stance by the next session.

Special Task Force for Clean-Up:

   Stakeholders have been invited to suggest the formation of a Special Task Force for cleaning hillsides and forests at the next hearing.

Tree Pruning and Landslides:

   Extensive landslides have plagued Shimla, exacerbated by three decades of neglect in tree pruning.

The court emphasized the need for immediate pruning to enhance tree health and prevent further damage.

The Forest Department must develop a strategy for tree lopping and pruning, with the Principal Secretary (Forests) reporting by July 4, 2024.

Groundwater Quality:

   The Pollution Control Board has been directed to test groundwater in Kenduwal and nearby areas and present a quality report at the next hearing.

The court made it clear that prompt and effective action is required to tackle these pressing issues, warning that inaction could have dire consequences for the environment and public health.

The case has been adjourned to July 4, 2024, for further review and compliance updates.