NGT directs NHAI to stop dumping of four-lane construction muck into Sauli Khud
Shimla, Nov 21,
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken strong cognizance of illegal muck dumping during four-lane construction in Mandi district and has directed the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to immediately clarify what steps it has taken to ensure strict compliance with environmental norms. The Tribunal issued notices to the Union of India/NHAI, Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, the Mandi District Administration and the State Government on the basis of a complaint filed by the Residents Welfare Association (RWA) Riverdale, Sauli Khud. The matter was heard on November 19 by the Principal Bench in New Delhi.
The RWA alleged that contractors involved in the four-lane project were “indiscriminately dumping large boulders and muck into the adjoining river,” causing severe environmental degradation and posing a direct threat to nearby habitations. They stated that the practice was in blatant violation of MoEFCC guidelines and previous NGT orders, particularly those mandating that under no circumstances should muck be allowed to enter natural water bodies.
Taking note of these concerns, the NGT observed that the allegations raised “substantial questions relating to environment” and warranted immediate intervention. It directed NHAI to explicitly state the measures it has adopted to ensure that muck is disposed of strictly at approved dumping sites and nowhere near the river. The Tribunal said: “NHAI shall mention the steps taken for proper dumping of muck at designated places and also monitoring done to ensure that the muck is not dumped in the river and is properly dumped at designated dump site.”
Residents have complained that the illegal dumping has already begun altering the river flow in Sauli Khud and has created heightened risk of erosion and flash floods, particularly during the monsoon. They also warned that large boulders rolling downhill from dumping zones had become a safety hazard for both residents and commuters.
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