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HP High Court closes PIL on dredging, stresses need to protect groundwater resources
Shimla, Aug 11,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has closed a Public Interest Litigation concerning dredging and operation of crusher plants in Una district, while making it clear that the permission granted for extended working hours in the peculiar circumstances of the case cannot be treated as a precedent.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj, in its order dated August 7, recorded that the earlier permission allowing night-time operations had been rectified by the Chairman, District Disaster Management Authority-cum-Deputy Commissioner, Una, on June 5, 2026.
Under the revised order, dredging can be undertaken only between 6 am and 7 pm, with crusher plants operating during the same period. Unladen and loaded tippers have been permitted to ply between 8 am and 7 pm to maintain operational continuity and the financial viability of the project.
The Court noted submissions that the work was still allegedly being carried out at night. However, it declined to accept the allegation in the absence of credible material. It gave the petitioner liberty to approach the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board along with officials of the Industries Department or lodge a complaint before the Deputy Commissioner, Una, if any violation of the prescribed timings was noticed.
The Bench also made it clear that the extended timings had been permitted only because of the peculiar facts and circumstances of the case and should not be used by authorities as a precedent for granting similar permissions.
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The Court’s latest order comes against the backdrop of earlier observations in the same proceedings regarding the need for stricter safeguards while exploiting natural resources. The Court had stressed that the State should continue implementing expert recommendations and take necessary precautions, particularly in relation to groundwater recharge, water harvesting and watershed management.
It had observed that groundwater was an important concern as its level was continuously declining due to excessive withdrawal of natural resources, and directed that the State should keep this aspect in mind while dealing with such activities.
The Court had also earlier questioned the grant of permission for machinery and vehicles to operate during night hours, noting that such a condition was not part of the original permission.
The proceedings have now been closed, with the Court leaving it open to the petitioner to seek action before the competent authorities in case of violations of the revised operating schedule.
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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.
