SHIMLA: In a significant stride towards environmental accountability, the Himachal Pradesh High Court, presided over by Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan, has issued a landmark order in the ongoing environmental case of Suleman vs. Union of India 2369 of 2018.
Expressing deep concern over the lack of progress in addressing garbage and solid waste management in the state, the court took an unprecedented step by summoning Chief Secretary Mr. Prabodh Saxena for a personal appearance.
Accompanied by other high-ranking officials, Saxena assured the court of the state's commitment to developing a clear roadmap for the implementation of environmental laws.
The court's directives include a mandate for all Local Urban Bodies to comply with the suggestions provided by the State Pollution Control Board for scientific solid waste management.
Any difficulties in compliance must be addressed through affidavits, the judge ruled.
Moreover, the Chief Secretary and the Secretary of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj are required to file affidavits outlining a detailed plan for the effective implementation of environmental laws.
The Deputy Solicitor General of India, representing the Central Pollution Control Board, is also directed to submit an action report on the compliance of Producers, Importers, and Brand Owners (PIBOs) with the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016.
The case, represented by advocate Deven Khanna, has been a focal point in the courts for several years, emphasizing the urgent need for effective waste management in Himachal Pradesh.
Key concerns include penalties for illegal dumping, cleaning littered sites, establishing a complaint mechanism, and holding PIBOs accountable for plastic waste.
This order is deemed a critical juncture in the state's environmental jurisprudence.
The personal appearance of the Chief Secretary underscores the court's determination to witness tangible progress in environmental governance.