Himachal’s Pathankot–Mandi NH-154 project under NGT scrutiny for threat to homes, environment
Shimla, Aug 12,
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognisance of alleged safety and environmental violations in the Pathankot–Mandi NH-154 four-lane widening project in Kangra district, Himachal Pradesh.
The action follows a report highlighting how unscientific slope cutting in the 18-km Thaanpuri–Parore stretch has endangered homes and lives. A bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Expert Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel said the account indicated potential breaches of the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. “The affected families now spend sleepless nights, living in constant fear of a possible collapse,” Justice Shrivastava noted, referring to residents covering exposed slopes with tarpaulins bought at their own cost.
The tribunal observed that the work had blocked long-standing access routes, damaged local roads, and disrupted natural drainage systems, heightening the risk of landslides, property damage, and accidents during the ongoing monsoon season. “The news item raises substantial issues relating to compliance with the environmental norms and implementation of the provisions of scheduled enactment,” the order stated.
Citing the Supreme Court’s 2021 ruling in Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai vs. Ankita Sinha & Ors., which affirmed NGT’s power to act on its own, the tribunal impleaded the Himachal Pradesh Disaster Management Authority, Ministry of Road Transport and Highways, Irrigation and Flood Control Department, and Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board as respondents.
The agencies have been directed to file replies by affidavit at least a week before the next hearing on November 3, 2025. Any direct filing without routing through counsel will require the respondent’s virtual presence before the tribunal.
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