Himachal Pradesh High Court Mandates Tourists To Carry Garbage Bags In Vehicles, Lays Down Comprehensive Measures To Ensure Cleaner State
LIVELAW NEWS NETWORK
27 July 2024 3:00 PM GMT
In its bid to preserve the pristine environment of Himachal Pradesh, the High Court has suggested that all tourists entering the state must carry a large garbage bag in their vehicles.
The bench, comprising Justices Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Sushil Kukreja, emphasized that the state should take inspiration from Sikkim, which has already implemented a similar mandate for tourists.
This suggestion comes in the wake of multiple ongoing cases related to environmental degradation and waste management in the state. During a recent hearing on July 18, 2024, the court reviewed the state's efforts and stressed the urgent need for improved waste management practices.
The bench upon examining the minutes from a Multi-member Committee meeting held on July 15, 2024, whereby it had suggested various for waste management and preservation of the pristine environment of Himachal ordered a fresh slew of measures to address the same which include:
Green Tax Utilization Audit:The Court noted that a green tax is already levied on tourists in districts such as Kullu, Manali, Sirsu, and Koksar. However, there has been no audit to monitor the effective use of the collected tax for waste management. The Court directed the concerned authorities to file an affidavit detailing the expenditure of the collected green tax.
Establishment of a Municipal Waste Management Corporation:The Court suggested that the State should consider establishing a Municipal Waste Management Corporation, similar to the model in Goa, to improve waste management efficiency.
Plastic Buyback Policy Implementation:The Court highlighted the non-functional state of the plastic buyback policy and directed that it be made fully operational seven days a week. This initiative aims to incentivize citizens, particularly rag pickers, to collect waste from streets, jungles, and streams, potentially providing a source of livelihood.
“Therefore, the State Government is directed to make the plastic buyback policy fully functional for seven days a week so that the citizen especially the rag pickers have an incentive to collect waste lying in streets, jungles and streams etc. which in many cases could become a source of their livelihood from the system itself”, the bench remarked.
Formation of Special Task Forces (STFs): The Court ordered the formation of STFs focused on cleaning hillsides, streams, and other waste hotspots. These STFs will comprise members from municipal corporations, State and District Legal Services Authorities, the Tourism Development Corporation, the Forest Department, NGOs, and other stakeholders.
Sustainable Trekking Routes: To develop sustainable ecosystems along trekking routes, the Court recommended setting up checkpoints to assess the waste carried by tourists. This includes monitoring plastic and glass waste taken to meadows via trekking routes.
Tourist Infrastructure and Guidelines:The Court suggested establishing tourist information centers, eco-friendly toilets, and standard operating procedures for adventure companies, local guides, and camp owners to ensure proper waste disposal and maintain cleanliness and sustainability.
“Since Himachal Pradesh is a tourist destination and major part of its economy depends on the tourist visiting the State, the State could consider evaluating the pros and cons of establishing Municipal Waste Management Corporation on the line of Goa”, the bench reasoned.
Sewage Discharge in Rivers:In a June 2024 hearing, the Court learned about sewage discharge into the river Chandrabhaga at Sirsoo, Tandi, Keylong, Jispa, and Udaipur. The Court reiterated that authorities must ensure this does not continue. On July 19, it ordered the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul and Spiti to ensure no sullage is discharged into the open unless treated first, with a compliance report to be filed by the next hearing date.
Training Programs:The Court directed the government to conduct training programs for Panchayats and Urban Local Bodies on waste segregation and material recovery facilities. NGOs like Healing Himalayas and Waste Warriors are to be involved in these initiatives.
In ordering the Deputy Commissioner, Lahaul & Spiti to ensure that there is no discharge of sullage in open without it first being treated and report compliance on the next date of hearing.
The matter has been listed again on 01.08.2024 for a further review.
Case Title: Suleman vs. Union of India a/w connected matters.
