The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has raised serious concerns over deficiencies in Himachal Pradesh’s solid and liquid waste management systems, directing the state government to take urgent and time-bound measures to address untreated sewage, inadequate sewer connectivity, and improper waste disposal practices. The tribunal issued 32 directives aimed at improving environmental compliance and protecting the fragile Himalayan ecosystem.
The NGT highlighted Himachal Pradesh’s ecological importance as a Himalayan state and noted that several major rivers, including the Yamuna, Sutlej, Beas and Ravi, originate or flow through the region. During its review of the state’s waste management compliance report, the tribunal observed that continued gaps in waste processing and sewage treatment could pose serious risks to public health and the environment.
The tribunal also pointed out the presence of 295 identified waste dumping hotspots across the state, including 28 in Shimla. A bench headed by NGT Chairperson Justice Prakash Shrivastava, along with Expert Members Dr A. Senthil Vel and Dr Afroz Ahmad, directed authorities to ensure scientific waste management and prevent open dumping in environmentally sensitive areas.
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The NGT observed that nearly 44.67 per cent of solid waste generated in rural areas remains unprocessed. It also noted that several urban local bodies, including Bilaspur, Nahan and Banikhet, have reported a lack of household sewer connections despite having sewerage infrastructure. The tribunal further stated that multiple sewage treatment plants were failing to meet prescribed standards or were operating without required approvals.
The Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board has been directed to identify non-compliant sewage treatment plants, recover environmental compensation from violators and initiate legal action against persistent offenders. District magistrates have also been asked to remove garbage hotspots, enforce waste disposal rules, impose penalties where required and ensure regular monitoring.
The tribunal highlighted that Himachal Pradesh generates around 159.117 million litres of sewage daily, while only 88.293 million litres is treated, leaving a significant portion of wastewater to enter rivers and other water bodies untreated. The NGT has directed the state Chief Secretary to submit a detailed compliance report on the implementation of its orders, with the matter scheduled for further hearing on January 20, 2027.
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