Shimla, July 24,
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed dissatisfaction with the joint committee report on the environmental damage caused by Giri Lime and Chemicals Pvt Ltd in Sirmaur district, Himachal Pradesh. The tribunal has issued notices to the secretary of the environment department, member secretary of the HP State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB), Sirmaur deputy commissioner, and the company itself, making them respondents in the ongoing case.
Presiding over the case, Justice Sudhir Agarwal directed all four respondents to file their respective replies within the next month. The tribunal criticized the joint committee’s report as “incomplete” and insufficient in providing a comprehensive account of the facts. It was noted that the report failed to address whether the limestone unit was adhering to environmental clearance conditions and whether any actions were taken by HPSPCB against the violator.
This action stems from a letter petition by residents of Kuner village, Kamrau tehsil, in Sirmaur district. The petition, filed in July last year, highlighted the environmental damage caused by stone mining activities, including obstruction of water streams and damage to agricultural lands. In April, the NGT formed a joint committee consisting of representatives from HPSPCB and Sirmaur DC to investigate these claims.
The committee’s report, submitted after a site visit, stated that the mining company had complied with the directions, including restoring a baori (natural water source) and raising new retaining structures. However, the report attributed the debris flow into the village land to unprecedented heavy monsoon rains last year. The NGT, finding the report lacking in facts and documents, has ordered a fresh report.
Environmental violations by limestone quarries in Sirmaur are not new. Last year, the NGT mandated that mining companies prevent air and noise pollution during material transportation and ensure proper muck disposal following residents’ complaints.
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