NGT Himachal Pradesh waste management report under scanner, Tribunal flags ‘Unbelievable’ data
Shimla, March 24,
In a development that raises serious questions over environmental compliance in Himachal Pradesh, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has pulled up the State government for submitting what it termed as questionable and unverifiable data on solid waste management.
Hearing Application related to compliance with the Municipal Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, the Principal Bench of the Tribunal—comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), and Dr. Afroz Ahmad (Expert Member)—found notable inconsistencies in the state’s six-monthly progress report.
The Tribunal noted that the report, filed by the Special Secretary (Urban Development) on March 18, claimed a “zero gap in generation and treatment in 16 ULBs” and “almost 100% treatment of daily generated waste… in all the ULBs,” observations it explicitly described as “difficult to believe.”
Further, the bench pointed out that key annexures submitted with the report were either unclear or not legible, raising additional concerns over the credibility of the data presented.
Importantly, the Tribunal underscored a procedural lapse as well, observing that the compliance report was required to be filed under the affidavit of the Chief Secretary to ensure accountability and authenticity. Instead, it had been submitted by a departmental officer.
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Taking note of the deficiencies, the NGT directed the state to revisit and re-examine the entire report. Granting two weeks’ time on the request of the state’s counsel, the Tribunal ordered that a fresh, accurate and verifiable compliance report be filed under the Chief Secretary’s affidavit, clearly depicting the “correct picture” of solid waste management in Himachal Pradesh.
The matter will now be taken up for further hearing on May 20, 2026.
Why this matters
The Tribunal’s observations assume significance as Himachal Pradesh has repeatedly projected high levels of compliance in waste processing across urban local bodies. If discrepancies are established, it could expose gaps in on-ground waste handling infrastructure, data reporting mechanisms, and environmental governance.
The case is part of ongoing nationwide monitoring by the NGT to ensure strict implementation of solid waste management norms, particularly in ecologically sensitive states like Himachal Pradesh, where improper waste disposal poses risks to fragile mountain ecosystems and water sources.
About the Author
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.