NGT gives Joint Committee four more weeks to Submit Reports in Himachal Environmental case
New Delhi, Dec 18,
The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, on Tuesday granted additional time to the Joint Committee constituted in an ongoing environmental matter concerning Himachal Pradesh, after being informed that key technical inputs were received with delay.
Hearing Original Application filed by Kashmir Singh versus the State of Himachal Pradesh and others, the Bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, Judicial Member, and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, Expert Member, took on record an additional response filed by Respondent No. 5 on December 16, 2025
Recording the submission, the Tribunal noted that the Joint Committee “could not submit its report as there was delay in submission of the technical expert report dated 13.12.2025, the signed copy of which was received only on 16.12.2025.” The Bench was also informed that an email dated December 16, 2025, had been received from Dr. Narender Sharma, Scientist ‘F’, Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), who is also a member of the Joint Committee.
Taking these circumstances into account, the Tribunal directed that the report duly signed by two members of the Joint Committee be filed within four weeks. In addition, the Bench ordered that the separate report or comments of Dr. Narender Sharma, Scientist ‘F’, CPCB, also be submitted within the same four-week period
The matter has now been listed for further hearing on February 12, 2026.
Background of the case
The environmental proceedings stem from concerns raised regarding compliance with remedial and environmental protection measures in Himachal Pradesh. In an earlier order passed on July 18, 2025, the Tribunal had examined replies from multiple respondents, including CPCB and the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB), particularly focusing on the utilisation of environmental compensation funds and implementation of remedial measures recommended by the Joint Committee
In that order, the Bench had observed gaps in documentation and clarity regarding the utilisation of funds meant for environmental protection and had directed the concerned respondents to file detailed additional responses. The Joint Committee’s findings are considered crucial for the Tribunal’s final assessment of compliance and accountability.
With the extension now granted, the NGT has made it clear that the pending reports are expected to be filed within the stipulated time frame, paving the way for substantive consideration of the matter at the next hearing.
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