Who Will clear the mess as Atal Tunnel has opened floodgates for floods of filth?
KEYLONG/SHIMLA: NGT Rap Falls Flat as Garbage Chokes Lahaul’s Glaciers, Administration Shrugs
Despite repeated alarms raised by environmental NGOs like Save Lahaul Spiti Society, local gram panchayats and even stern directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT), Koksar in Lahaul Valley continues to function as an open garbage dump — right on fragile glaciers and snow-covered slopes.
Taking serious note of the situation, the NGT has observed that “indiscriminate dumping of garbage on glaciers and other snow-covered areas in the valley is becoming another disaster.” Yet, months after a violation report was submitted, the ground reality remains unchanged, exposing the utter apathy of the district administration, the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) and the State Pollution Control Board.
An inspection report filed by the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board paints a grim picture. Heaps of solid waste were found dumped in Shakas Nallah, on hill slopes between Keylong and Billing village, and even near police lines — areas that should have been strictly protected.
The report clearly indicates that there is no effective door-to-door garbage collection system in place by the Special Area Development Authority (SADA).
The rot does not end there. Garbage piles were also observed near the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel Rohtang, along drains on the Sissu–Koksar road near BRO residences, and at Gompathhang drain near Sissu — all ecologically sensitive zones. Shockingly, no warning boards have been installed, no penalties enforced, and no visible deterrent mechanism exists to stop this environmental crime.
What angers locals and environmentalists alike is that no concrete steps have been taken despite repeated NGT directions. The garbage continues to pile up, unchecked and unmanaged, raising serious questions about the role of the Deputy Commissioner, SDM Keylong, the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) and the Pollution Control Board — all of whom appear least bothered about the slow poisoning of Lahaul’s ecosystem.
NGT advocate Akash Vashisht said the tribunal has now directed the district administration to file a fresh reply at least a week before April 15. During the recent hearing, SDM Keylong appeared virtually and informed the tribunal that she had recently taken charge and would ensure appropriate action. However, the NGT made it clear that it is not satisfied with the earlier replies filed by the administration, which have yielded no results on the ground.
The continued dumping, despite inspections, reports and hearings, makes it evident that mere affidavits are being filed to buy time, while glaciers and water sources continue to suffer irreversible damage.
Environmental groups are now demanding that the NGT impose a heavy environmental compensation on the district administration, the Special Area Development Authority (SADA) and the Pollution Control Board, and that the recovered funds be mandatorily used to create a scientific waste management and disposal facility in Lahaul Valley.
For Lahaul, the message is stark: either enforce the law now, or prepare for an ecological collapse — with files and excuses buried under heaps of garbage.
#SaveLahaulSpiti
#StopGlacierDumping
#NGTActionNow
#EnvironmentalCrime