HP High Court Cracks Down on Environmental Violations: Urgent Measures Ordered. State pollution regulator has been directed to submit affidavit.. 

Shimla, July 25– In a landmark order, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has demanded sweeping actions to address environmental concerns across the state.

The high court Division Bench of Justices Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Sushil Kukreja has mandated the formation of a Special Task Force (STF) to clean up hill-side streams and 109 hotspots.

The STF will involve members from various councils, legal authorities, tourism, and forest departments, as well as NGOs.

This STF must be set up before the next hearing on August 1, 2024.

To ensure compliance, the court has appointed the Secretary of the Legal Services Authority in each district to oversee and report on the directives every three months. In their absence, the reports will be handled by the Civil Judge via the District Magistrate.

The Director of Panchayati Raj has been tasked with organizing visits to Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs) to educate Panchayat representatives on waste management.

Training programs on waste segregation and MRF setup will be conducted by the Directors of Urban Local Bodies and Panchayati Raj, involving NGOs.

The state government is also to develop sustainable ecosystems along trekking routes, complete with waste checkpoints, tourist info centers, eco-friendly toilets, and strict waste disposal protocols.

The plastic buyback policy must be operational seven days a week.

The court has directed the Executive Engineer of BBNDA to expedite the treatment of legacy waste at Kenduwal, with regular monitoring by the Pollution Control Board.

The Deputy Commissioner of Solan must also speed up the land exchange process for petitioner Suleman.

Municipal Corporations are to enhance their complaint mechanisms, displaying unresolved complaints on their official websites and publicizing complaint numbers.

Feedback and orders for unresolved complaints will be managed by the Secretary of DLSA.

Additionally, audits on green tax collection and utilization in Kullu and Lahaul & Spiti are to be reported via affidavits.

The court suggested the state consider forming a Municipal Waste Management Corporation like Goa's and explore MoUs with NGOs for waste management. The Director of Rural Development is to be actively involved in these initiatives.

The court also recommended a Deposit Refund System (DRS) for managing non-biodegradable waste, inspired by models in Goa and Uttarakhand, especially during tourist seasons.

Decisions on pending cases in several districts and subdivisions , including Chopal, Rohru, and Theog, are to be expedited.

The State Pollution Control Board must submit an affidavit detailing their targets and achievements, and the CPCB must ensure compliance with Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) by brand-owners.

Non-compliant Waste Management Authorities (WMAs) will face contempt notices, and stringent measures are to be enforced to prevent sewage discharge into river Chandrabhaga in Lahaul & Spiti.

Tourist vehicles will be required to carry garbage bags, with penalties for non-compliance.

Finally, the court demanded an affidavit ensuring no untreated sullage discharge and compliance with previous orders from the Principal Secretary (Forest).

The High Court’s directives are a decisive move towards addressing the state’s growing environmental issues, emphasizing accountability, sustainable practices, and active participation from all stakeholders.