HC Seeks Fresh Status Reports on Protection of Pong, Renuka Wetlands; Raises Concern Over Encroachments, Festival Waste
SHIMLA, JULY 24: The Himachal Pradesh High Court has sought fresh status reports from the Deputy Commissioners of Kangra and Sirmaur while continuing to monitor the conservation of the ecologically sensitive Pong Dam and Renuka wetlands, both Ramsar sites of international importance.
The directions were passed by a Division Bench headed by Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi while hearing a batch of connected public interest litigations on July 16, 2026.
The court took on record an affidavit filed by the Chief Conservator of Forests, Shimla, stating that temporary fencing and illegal sheds found inside the Pong Dam Wildlife Sanctuary had been removed under the Wildlife (Protection) Act, 1972.
The Forest Department informed the court that 115 damage reports had been issued against offenders during the 2025-26 financial year and ₹4.70 lakh had been recovered as compensation for illegal activities in the protected area. It also reported plantation over 315.5 hectares, with an additional 20 hectares being taken up this year under the Rajiv Gandhi Van Samvardhan Yojana.
The affidavit further stated that drone surveillance of the wetland did not detect visible illegal cultivation during inspections, while anti-poaching patrols, protection of Sarus Crane breeding sites and public awareness programmes were being carried out regularly.
Authorities also informed the court that the annual waterbird census conducted on January 31 and February 1, 2026, recorded 1,24,344 birds belonging to 115 species. Over the past three financial years, 47.08 quintals of plastic waste had been removed from the wetland, and soil conservation measures such as check dams were functioning satisfactorily.
However, the High Court observed that the affidavit was silent on action against encroachers despite a list of encroachments being placed on record, indicating that further clarification was required from the authorities.
The court also considered a report submitted by the Amicus Curiae on Renuka Wetland, highlighting that it is one of Himachal Pradesh's three Ramsar sites and a habitat for several endangered and vulnerable species, besides holding immense religious significance.
The report flagged serious environmental concerns arising during the Renuka Fair, including littering, burning of waste by vendors, inadequate sanitation, open defecation, dumping of waste into water bodies and excessive noise from loudspeakers affecting wildlife.
It recommended stricter waste management, cordoning off core ecological areas during the fair and imposing penalties for violations.
Referring to an earlier High Court order in a 2007 case concerning illegal constructions around Renuka Lake, the Bench directed the Deputy Commissioner, Sirmaur, to file a comprehensive status report on all the issues raised.
It also asked the Forest Department to provide details of animals being kept in rescue and field facilities across the state. Additionally, the Deputy Commissioner, Kangra, was directed to submit a fresh status report regarding Pong Wetland in compliance with earlier directions.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on September 1, 2026.
