Kufri’s Environmental Issues: NGT notices PCC Forests and DFO Shimla
Shimla, Oct 6
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) taking action against environmental issues/violations in the popular tourist destination of Kufri has issued notices to the District Forest Officer (DFO) Shimla and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests for their failure to address the environmental issues plaguing the area. The next hearing for this case is scheduled for December 20.
This action comes in response to a letter from a Delhi lawyer who alerted the NGT about the lack of proper sanitation systems in Kufri. Acting on this information, the NGT established a joint committee on March 13, 2023, to investigate the matter and requested a report.
During the proceedings, Kamta Narpat S informed the court about several environmental rule violations in Kufri, leading to natural and vegetative degradation. One concerning issue is the excessive number of registered horses in the area, far surpassing its capacity. Additionally, the absence of proper solid waste management has resulted in heavy pollution in the region.
The committee, consisting of the DFO Shimla and the Principal Chief Conservator of Forests, was tasked with taking remedial measures and submitting a report to prevent further environmental damage. However, it has come to light that the committee failed to file any report.
The letter addressed to the tribunal also highlighted the adverse health effects on Kufri’s villagers, including lung infections and stomach diseases, caused by the hazardous ammonia oxide released from horse dung. Moreover, the soot from horse dung contaminates the local drinking water sources.
Previously, the High Court had also taken notice of the deteriorating conditions in Kufri and ordered the government to implement a project report proposed by the Rotary Club Shimla. This report outlines plans to develop Kufri along the lines of well-known tourist destinations in Jammu and Kashmir, such as Pahalgam, Gulmarg, Sonmarg, Aharbal, and Patnitop.
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