Himachal Pollution Board Flags Violations in Environmentally Sensitive Koksar Panchayat

Environmental compensation recommended for solid waste dumping near Sissu and along the Chandra River

The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) has recommended environmental compensation against the Koksar Gram Panchayat for dumping solid waste near Sissu and along the Chandra River in Lahaul-Spiti district. The recommendation was made in connection with a case pending before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has now called for strict compliance with the Board’s directions.

The NGT has directed the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM) of Keylong to submit a detailed compliance report within six weeks and to examine the establishment of a Material Recovery Facility (MRF) near the Chandra River. The matter, involving the careless and illegal dumping of solid waste in the ecologically fragile Koksar area, will be heard on January 16 by an NGT bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member). The newly appointed SDM assured the tribunal that all directives would be implemented promptly.

An inspection conducted on September 29 by an HPSPCB team from Kullu revealed multiple lapses under the jurisdiction of the Special Area Development Authority (SADA), Keylong. The Board observed extensive piles of solid waste near the northern portal of the Atal Tunnel, along the highway, and on the banks of the Chandra River, posing potential threats to water quality. Similar waste was found on the slopes of Shakash and Billing Nallahs near Keylong, indicating inadequate collection of household garbage.

According to the inspection report, mixed solid waste had been dumped in and around Dimpul (Koksar) village, while the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) near Billing, Koksar, was found non-operational with its gate locked.

The Board also noted that SADA, Keylong had not installed awareness boards, warning signs, or notices about penalties in the area. Despite previous inspections and monitoring, repeated deficiencies were observed. As a result, the HPSPCB has recommended imposing environmental penalties on the Koksar Panchayat for continued non-compliance.