Himachal Pradesh High Court Orders Disciplinary Action Against Govt Officials For Failure To Prevent Muck Dumping In Forest Areas Near Chamba

The Himachal Pradesh High Court, headed by Chief Justice M.S. Ramachandra Rao and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel, has ordered disciplinary action against concerned government officials for their failure to prevent the illegal dumping of muck in forest and catchment areas near Motla village in Chamba.

The direction came after Court perused the affidavits and status reports filed by the Forest Department, Pollution Control Board, the Engineer-inChief, HPPWD and the Secretary, DLSA.

Earlier the Court had directed the DLSA, Chamba to inspect the site in question and file a report.

The court, after examining the affidavits and status reports submitted by various authorities expressed concern over the extensive damage caused by the contractors engaged by HPPWD. The reports highlighted the dumping of muck in non-designated sites, catchment areas, and even forest land, leading to immense suffering for the residents of Motla.

“We are of the opinion that the Contractors engaged by the HPPWD have contributed in no small measure to the dumping of the muck in non designated sites and in the catchment areas of the Nullah located in the area in question resulting in untold misery to the residents of village, Motla’, the bench recorded.

To address this issue, the court has directed the Engineer-in-Chief of HPPWD to identify the officials responsible for overseeing the work executed by the contractors and take appropriate disciplinary action against them for failing to ensure the use of designated dumping sites. 

An assurance was given by the Advocate General that concrete steps will be taken within two weeks to clear the muck from the area and initiate suitable action against the responsible contractors.

Before parting, the Court also expressed concern over positioning of five of the designated dumping sites located above the catchment areas.

"Prima facie, such locations could be disastrous because admittedly the dumping sites are located above the water tank and if there is heavy rain, the muck from the designated sites would flow into the catchment areas and block it, as the reports filed seem to indicate", the bench remarked and fixed the case for further hearing on July 31.

Case Title: Sanjeevan Singh vs. State of HP

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