NGT directs HP Govt to decide on carrying capacity of Koksar, Manali & Solang valley

NGT directs HP Govt to decide on carrying capacity of Koksar, Manali & Solang valley

Shimla, Oct 10,

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has directed the Himachal Pradesh government to place on record, within six weeks, its decision, if any, on determining the carrying capacity of Koksar and surrounding hill stations, including Manali and Solang Valley, in view of an official communication issued by the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) on October 8, 2024.

The tribunal passed the directions while hearing Original Application No. 145 of 2024, filed by environmental organisation Friends, represented by advocate Akash Vashishtha, on October 7, 2026.

Also read: NGT has domain to deal with carrying capacity of eco-senstive Kullu, Manali & Mcleodganj : HC

A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, with expert member Dr Afroz Ahmad, took note of a communication sent by the Member-Secretary of the HPSPCB to the Chief Secretary of Himachal Pradesh, seeking a decision on determining the carrying capacity of Koksar and the surrounding hill stations, including Manali and Solang Valley.

In its order, the tribunal directed respondent No. 2 to place on record, within six weeks, the decision, if any, taken by the state government in terms of the pollution control board’s communication.

The proceedings also examined the compliance report filed by the Special Area Development Authority (SADA), Keylong, dated October 3, 2026, detailing measures taken to address waste management and sanitation issues in the area.

According to the report, roadside littering had been addressed through cleaning, waste near Border Roads Organisation premises had been removed, and legacy waste at Shakas Nallah had been cleared. Waste removal at Billing Nallah was also reported, while six CCTV cameras had been repaired.

Also Read NGT flags gaps in reports, orders fresh data on River Markanda pollution and Kala Amb industries

Door-to-door waste collection was operational in four panchayats. However, the wet waste management centre and shed at Dalang remained under construction, with 70 per cent of the work completed and commissioning scheduled for November 2026. The proposed bye-laws were awaiting government approval for notification.

The tribunal granted the applicant six weeks to file objections or a response to the SADA compliance report.

The matter has been listed for further hearing on January 20, 2027.

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