NGT defers hearing on proposed waste facility inside Kullu’s Nehru park, awaits HC outcome
Shimla/New Delhi, July 15
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has deferred further hearing on a petition challenging the proposed establishment of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) and waste handling unit inside Nehru Park at Sarwari in Himachal Pradesh’s Kullu district, noting that the issue is already pending before the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which has ordered status quo on the site.
The matter came up before the Principal Bench of the NGT comprising Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava and Expert Member Dr. Afroz Ahmad in Original Application No. 299 of 2026 filed by Sanjay Kapoor against the Municipal Council, Kullu and others.
The Tribunal had earlier, on May 8, constituted a Joint Committee to examine objections over the proposed waste handling facility inside the public park. The committee submitted its report on June 27.
Taking note of the committee’s findings, the Tribunal observed that the same dispute is under consideration before the Himachal Pradesh High Court in CWPIL No. 49 of 2026. The High Court had directed maintenance of status quo on May 8 after petitioners challenged the proposal to construct an MRF shed within the approximately five-bigha Nehru Park situated in the heart of Kullu town.
The High Court proceedings also referred to complaints dating back to 2019 regarding garbage dumping and the deplorable condition of the park, following which renovation and plantation works were undertaken after the matter was taken up with the Prime Minister’s Office. Petitioners have alleged that despite restoration efforts, authorities subsequently floated bids for constructing the waste facility and had even begun preliminary excavation work inside the park.
During the NGT hearing, counsel for the applicant sought an adjournment to ascertain the latest status of the High Court proceedings, while counsel for the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board informed the Tribunal that the writ petition had been listed before the High Court on July 13.
In view of the pending proceedings before the High Court, the NGT adjourned the matter and fixed September 16, 2026, for further hearing. The case has drawn attention over concerns that the proposed waste management facility could affect one of Kullu town’s prominent public green spaces, whose condition had earlier attracted intervention at the highest level following complaints about neglect and poor maintenance.
About the Author
