Radha Soami Beas dera under NGT lens: Joint panel set up to probe allegations of illegal construction in HP

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has constituted a joint committee to verify the factual position regarding the allegations of tree felling, illegal construction and the use of a tea estate land levelled against the Radha Soami Satsang Beas at Parour in Kangra district.

Seema Kumari, pradhan of Ghaneta gram panchayat, along with some others, filed a complaint before the NGT, drawing attention towards the alleged illegal expansion of the Radha Soami Satsang Beas complex at Parour.

The complaint was filed with pictures and other proof of alleged tree felling, illegal construction, muck dumping, blocking of the flow of water channels without prior approval.

“Prima facie, the averments made in the application raise substantial questions relating to environment arising out of the implementation of the enactments specified in the Schedule-I of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010,” the NGT observed in its order issued today. The case would come up for next hearing on December 18.

The NGT issued directions for the constitution of a joint committee to verify the factual position and take appropriate remedial action. The joint committee, as per the NGT orders, would comprise the representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB) and the Kangra District Magistrate. It had been directed to hold a meeting within two weeks, undertake visits to the site and look into the grievances of the applicant.

The NGT stated that the applicant and the representative of the project concerned be associated to verify the factual position and take appropriate remedial action by following the due course of law and submit a report within two months. The HPPCB would be the nodal agency for coordination and compliance.

In the complaint, the Radha Soami Satsang Beas has been accused of illegal purchase of land, encroachment and illegal tree felling, which according to the complainants, is resulting in soil erosion and deterioration of water quality. They have alleged that all this was proving to be environmentally degrading.

“A historic and state-level protected tea garden, which is the identity of the area and a source of employment, is being levelled and used for construction. This is a gross violation of the Tea Act, 1953, and the Tea Policy of Himachal Pradesh,” the complaint reads.

Local residents in their complaint have also demanded the holding of a public hearing to enable them to express their grouses and the cancellation of unlimited land purchased by the Radha Soami Satsang Beas. Residents of Ghaneta, Dhoran, Balla, Paraur and Darang villages in Parour have filed the complaint.

Illegal Tree felling

• Villagers of Parour in Kangra district have filed a complaint alleging illegal tree felling, unauthorised construction by the dera.