The tribunal had constituted the committee comprising representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) and the District Magistrate, Kullu, to inspect the site, examine residents’ complaints and recommend remedial measures. The NGT has already stayed further construction of the proposed shed at the Nehru Park material recovery facility site after residents raised environmental and public health concerns.
The site was established by the Kullu Municipal Council (MC) in Ward No. 3 at Sarwari for waste segregation and disposal. The MC has been dumping the entire waste generated in Kullu town at the site after the Manali Municipal Council stopped accepting Kullu’s garbage from July 15.
Residents have repeatedly opposed the project and demanded its relocation, arguing that the facility is located in a densely populated residential area and close to the Sarwari river. As the administration failed to identify an alternative site, residents approached the NGT seeking immediate removal of the facility.
According to the NGT order, petitioner Sanjay Kapoor alleged that the MC had converted the Nehru Park area into a dumping and waste handling site. The petition stated that the nearly five-bigha park had originally been developed with public funds and featured pathways, flower beds, ornamental trees, swings and other recreational infrastructure.
The petition further contended that the proposed material recovery facility violated the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, as the site lies within 30 metres of the Sarwari riverbank and less than 200 metres from the Beas river. It also pointed out that Bhuntar airport is located within a 10-km radius of the site, whereas the rules mandate that waste management facilities should be at least 20 km away from airports.
During the hearing on May 8, the NGT observed that parks and green belts act as the “lungs” of urban areas and cannot be encroached upon for construction or waste-related activities. The tribunal also referred to Supreme Court judgments emphasising the protection of public parks and green spaces.
Granting interim relief, the NGT directed the MC and other authorities to halt any change in land use, construction activity or dumping of solid waste at the site until further orders. The District Magistrate and Superintendent of Police, Kullu, were also directed to ensure compliance on the ground.
The Baisakhi Sale Plan offers an excellent value of 2 years of subscription + 6 months complimentary.
If you proceed with this purchase, your current monthly subscription plan will be immediately cancelled.
30?”green-strip-scroll”:””}”>n ${e.display_status||e.scheduleTime}n
30?”green-strip-scroll”:””}”>n ${e.display_status+”, “+e.scheduleTime}n