Shimla, Aug 4 (updated)
The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi, has directed the District Magistrate-cum-Deputy Commissioner of Sirmaur to examine allegations of illegal construction of a Mining Inspection Post and weighbridge, along with unauthorized dumping of muck and debris near rivers and water bodies in the district.
The order was passed on July 31, 2026, by a Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, Expert Member, while disposing of Original Application No. 231/2026 filed by noted environmentalist and social worker Nathuram Chauhan against the State of Himachal Pradesh and others.
In his petition, Chauhan alleged that the Mining Inspection Post and weighbridge were being constructed within 100-150 metres of rivers and water bodies in violation of environmental norms. He also alleged indiscriminate dumping of muck and debris, claiming that such activities increase the risk of landslides and pose a serious threat to life, property and the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The Tribunal noted that although the applicant had submitted photographs and informed the Bench that a complaint had already been filed before the District Magistrate, Sirmaur, the complaint had not yet been considered. Observing that a ground-level verification was necessary to ascertain whether environmental laws had been violated, the Bench directed the Deputy Commissioner to examine the complaint and, if any violations are established, take appropriate remedial and punitive action. The entire exercise has been ordered to be completed within two months from the receipt of the order.
Reacting to the order, Chauhan described it as an important step towards protecting the Himalayan environment, including rivers, forests, land and wildlife. He said the Tribunal’s intervention would strengthen enforcement of environmental safeguards and help prevent disasters caused by unchecked construction and dumping near water bodies.
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Chauhan also expressed gratitude to the NGT and acknowledged the legal assistance of senior Supreme Court advocate Dr. A.P. Singh, stating that the order marked a significant milestone in ongoing efforts to conserve the fragile ecology of Himachal Pradesh and the wider Himalayan region.
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