The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Himachal Pradesh government to submit comprehensive details regarding any decisions made on the carrying capacity of key tourist destinations, including Koksar in Lahaul and Spiti district, and Manali and Solang valley in Kullu district. The tribunal also sought information on similar assessments for surrounding hill stations within a timeframe of six weeks.
Information was available with The Chenab Times that the NGT Principal Bench issued this directive on October 7, 2024, while adjudicating on an original application (No. 145/2024) titled ‘Friends versus Union of India.’ The Bench, presided over by Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad, took up the matter following a submission by the applicant’s counsel. This submission referenced a communication dated October 8, 2024, originating from the Member-Secretary of the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) addressed to the state’s Chief Secretary.
The HPSPCB’s communication had urged the state government to make a definitive decision on establishing the carrying capacity for Koksar and other adjacent hill stations, explicitly mentioning Manali and the Solang valley. In response to this, the tribunal mandated that the respondent, identified as respondent No. 2, present the state government’s decision, if any, on record within the stipulated six weeks. However, the NGT’s order did not, at that juncture, impose any new tourism restrictions or finalize the carrying capacity for these popular locations.
SADA Submits Compliance Report on Waste Management
During the same hearing, the Special Area Development Authority (SADA), based in Keylong, Lahaul-Spiti, presented its compliance and status report. This report, dated October 3, 2024, detailed the progress made on various waste management initiatives implemented across the region. The authority indicated that efforts had been made to clear roadside litter, and a commitment was made to continue monthly inspections to maintain cleanliness.
The report further specified that waste accumulated near the Border Roads Organisation (BRO) premises had been removed, with plans in place for ongoing monitoring of the area. Significant progress was also reported in the removal of legacy waste from Shakas Nullah, and waste clearance operations had been completed from Billing Nullah as well. These actions are part of a broader effort to enhance environmental management in the ecologically sensitive Lahaul-Spiti district.
In terms of surveillance and operational capacity, SADA reported the successful repair and operationalization of six CCTV cameras, aimed at improving monitoring and enforcement of waste management norms. The initiative for door-to-door waste collection has been rolled out in four panchayats, with the authority outlining plans for the expansion of this service to cover more areas. This systematic approach aims to improve waste segregation and collection efficiency at the local level.
Regarding infrastructure development, the wet waste management facility at Dalang is reportedly under construction, with approximately 70 per cent of the work already completed. SADA has set a target of November 2026 for the commissioning of this crucial facility, which is expected to significantly enhance the region’s capacity to process wet waste. Additionally, the proposed waste management bylaws are awaiting government approval and subsequent gazette notification before they can be officially implemented, paving the way for more stringent regulatory measures.
Meanwhile, the material recovery facilities (MRFs) located at Billing and Koksar are reported to be fully functional and actively engaged in handling dry and recyclable solid waste. The report also highlighted that source segregation practices are being encouraged and implemented, with the existing waste management systems expected to continue their operations. The tribunal has granted the applicant an additional six weeks to file any response or objections to the compliance report submitted by SADA. The next hearing for this matter has been scheduled for January 20, 2027.
The Chenab Times News Desk