NGT pulls up authorities over Viral Kasol Garbage video, seeks detailed compliance from HP Govt
New Delhi/Shimla, Nov 14,
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has expressed serious concern over the deteriorating waste-management situation in Kasol after a viral video showed the hill station strewn with garbage. Hearing Original Application No. 294/2025, the Tribunal issued a series of directions to Himachal Pradesh authorities as it prepares for the final hearing on January 16, 2026.
Registry asked to probe missing reply
The Bench, comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. Afroz Ahmad, noted that while the Deputy Commissioner of Kullu filed his reply on November 10, the municipal authority claimed to have filed its response through e-filing on November 12, which the Registry said it never received. The Tribunal instructed the Registry to investigate the technical lapse and coordinate with the NIC to prevent such failures.
Parallel High Court proceedings acknowledged
The NGT recorded that the Himachal Pradesh High Court is already hearing a related matter under CWPIL No. 36/2025 with orders issued since June. It observed that it had taken cognisance earlier, on June 5, and clarified that it would continue proceedings. However, in case of any conflict between the orders of the NGT and the High Court, the directions of the High Court will prevail. Also read: https://himachalscape.com/kasol-waste-crisis-hc-pulls-up-state-seeks-scientific-waste-disposal-roadmap/
Waste-Management strengthening ordered
Taking note of the worsening conditions highlighted in the viral video, the Tribunal directed the municipal body to create additional and alternative arrangements for solid waste management in consultation with the District Environment Committee headed by the DC, Kullu. A detailed action-taken report and full compliance statement covering all clauses of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016 must be filed within two months.
Top State officials added as respondents
Since waste-management compliance is already being monitored by the Chief Secretary in another ongoing matter, the Tribunal impleaded the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretary (Urban Development), and Principal Secretary (Rural Development) as additional respondents. The Registry has been ordered to update the memo of parties accordingly.
Action under Amended Environment Protection Act sought
The Bench highlighted recent amendments to the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, introduced through the Jan Vishwas Act, 2023, which expanded penalty provisions and empowered adjudicating officers to take suo motu action. The Chief Secretary has been directed to file an affidavit within two months outlining steps taken to ensure compliance with the SWM Rules in district Kullu and detailing instructions issued to the adjudicating officer regarding penalties imposed on erring departments, officers, and private violators.
Urban and Rural departments to submit reports
The Principal Secretaries of Urban Development and Rural Development have been asked to submit their compliance with Rule 11 and Rule 13 of the SWM Rules, 2016. The Deputy Commissioner, Kullu, must also file an updated district-level compliance report.
Next hearing
The Tribunal has listed the matter for final hearing on January 16, 2026.
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