SHIMLA: In a scathing judgment delivered on International Rivers Day, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has slammed a fine of ₹50,000 for the rampant and illegal dumping of muck into the Govind Sagar Lake and surrounding rivers.
This action stems from a public interest litigation (PIL) that exposed large-scale violations by contractors involved in the construction of the Kiratpur-Nerchowk four-lane highway.
The muck, instead of being disposed of properly, was carelessly dumped into nearby water bodies, causing severe environmental damage.
The court's ruling is a massive boost for environmental activists and local communities fighting against pollution in the region.
The Govind Sagar Lake, an important fisheries reserve, has seen a sharp decline in fish production due to this illegal dumping, affecting over 3,000 families who rely on fishing for their livelihood.
A joint inspection committee confirmed that muck from 10-12 nearby streams (khuds) is contaminating the lake, contributing to the massive drop in fish production—from 1,492 metric tons in 2014 to a shocking 250 metric tons in 2022.
This landmark decision holds authorities accountable and forces them to take immediate action to prevent further pollution.
It also sheds light on the gross negligence by the agencies involved in monitoring these activities.
The court has demanded answers from state agencies, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI), and contractors, signaling that turning a blind eye to such practices will no longer be tolerated.
For those fighting to save Himachal’s rivers and lakes, this ruling serves as a significant victory against unchecked industrial pollution.
