Radha Soami Beas Dera Under NGT Scrutiny: Joint Panel Formed to Probe Illegal Construction Allegations in Himachal Pradesh

Villagers from Paraul have filed complaints alleging illegal tree felling and unauthorized construction within the Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) premises.

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the formation of a joint committee to investigate allegations of illegal construction, tree cutting, and the use of leveled tea estate land by the Radha Soami Satsang Beas center located in Paraul, Kangra district.

The complaint was filed by Seema Kumari, head of the Ghaneta Gram Panchayat, along with other residents, highlighting what they described as unauthorized expansion of the RSSB complex.

The petition included photographic and documentary evidence of alleged tree cutting, dumping of debris, construction without permits, and obstruction of natural water channels.

In its order issued on Tuesday, the NGT said:

“Prima facie, the averments in the application raise substantial questions relating to the environment arising out of the implementation of enactments specified in Schedule I of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010.”

The next hearing has been scheduled for December 18.

To ascertain the factual position and recommend appropriate remedial measures, the NGT has directed the constitution of a joint fact-finding committee comprising representatives from the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB), and the District Magistrate of Kangra.

The committee has been instructed to hold a meeting within two weeks, conduct a site inspection, examine the applicant’s grievances, and submit a report within two months. The HPPCB has been designated as the nodal agency for coordination and compliance.

According to the complaint, RSSB has been accused of unauthorized land acquisition, encroachment, and felling of trees, which villagers allege have led to soil erosion and deterioration of water quality, posing a threat to the local environment.

The complaint further stated:

“A historically significant and state-protected tea estate—an identity and source of livelihood for the region—has been flattened for construction, in blatant violation of the Tea Act, 1953, and Himachal Pradesh’s Tea Policy.”

Residents have also demanded a public hearing to voice their grievances and called for the cancellation of large-scale land purchases made by the Radha Soami Satsang Beas in the area.

The complaint was filed by residents of Ghaneta, Dhoran, Balla, Paraul, and Darang villages in Kangra district, who allege that the Dera’s activities involve illegal felling of trees and unapproved construction on protected land.