NH 707 Gumma to Poanta sahib construction: JAC report reveals ecological violations

Shimla, Apr 16,

Recent revelations from a joint inspection committee constituted on orders of The National Green tribunal (NGT) which included of Deputy Commissioner Sirmour, MoEF&CC, Central Pollution Control Board, and Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board, on April 11, have brought to light irregularities surrounding the construction of National Highway 707 (NH 707), stated the complainant social activist Nathuram Chauhan and local residents.

The committee highlighted numerous violations, such as unscientific muck dumping, dumping in water sources and alleged illegal tree cutting. It is noteworthy that the complainant had raised the matter before NGT regarding the Poanta Sahib to Guma section of the said National Highway no 707, which is being constructed between Hatkoti and Poanta Sahib.

The complainant alleged that during the construction of the said NH stretch, environmental clearances were bypassed using a technical lacuna, and illegal felling of trees was done. It was also alleged that illegal dumping was identified at around 70 spots. Even natural water sources were blocked due to debris caused by dumping.

Talking about it Naturam Chauhan alleged that the MOEF&CC and construction company divided the highway into smaller segments to avoid environmental clearance, contrary to regulations. Moreover, the project’s passage through reserved forest areas lacked proper permissions, resulting in further ecological harm.

Meanwhile, in the report submitted to NGT, it has been found that muck dumping may have been done without taking permission and not on the designated spots. It was also found that water sources at few places were also found to be blocked due to muck.

In fact, responding to the mounting evidence, the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) has recommended to take action. In the report to the NGT, HPPCB stated that show cause notices were issued to the concerned units for unscientific muck dumping, with recommendations for environmental compensation based on the ‘polluter pays’ principle. Closure orders for stone crushers, Ready Mix Concrete (RMC) plants, and Hot Mix Plants were also proposed.

On the front of dividing the highway into smaller segments to avoid environmental clearance, contrary to regulations, the joint committee stated ” Grievance may not be justified”. They stated, ” The allegation made in the OA that MoRTH has taken advantage of item 7(f) of the EIA notification 2006, by dividing the highway to reduce its length to less than 100 kms does not seem justified.”

However the committee also feels that the investigation is far from over, as the report highlighted the need for a comprehensive analysis to differentiate between natural landslides and those caused by negligence during construction. Noteworthy that the contractor has claimed that many such areas were affected due to landslides. Therefore, the Committee has stated that this involves mapping affected areas, correlating with photographic evidence, and examining blasting activities. The Joint Committee estimated six to seven weeks for this analysis, followed by an Action Taken Report (ATR) and subsequent review.

Pertinent to mention that in a earlier instance protestors, particularly in the Gumma market area, had accused the company of engaging in large-scale corruption and improper dumping practices, resulting in the destruction of local properties, including lands, houses, link roads, and irrigation canals. They had alleged that the condition of the road leading to a local school was particularly deplorable, exacerbating community grievances. Outraged locals then had chanted slogans branding the Dhatarwal Construction Company as ‘thieves’ (‘Dhatarwal Chor Hai’).

Also read: https://himachalscape.com/ngt-investigates-alleged-irregularities-in-national-highway-707-construction/

Even ADC Ajit Bhardwaj reportedly highlighted the severe environmental damage caused by these actions, including the obstruction of natural waterways and destruction of wildlife habitats, such as those of the vulnerable Panthera pardus (Leopard).

Though as per the JAC report submitted to NGT now, the MoRTH and contractor have now agreed to address the issue of restoration of natural water sources, but all eyes are now on the tribunal for decisive action. The NGT’s upcoming decision holds immense significance for the restoration of the affected ecosystems, accountability of the construction company, and justice for the aggrieved communities.