HC slams Manali waste site mess

The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken a serious note of the deteriorating condition of the solid waste processing site at Rangri in Manali.

The high court has directed the authorities concerned to submit specific affidavits detailing waste collection, processing and disposal, besides ordering an on-site inspection by the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board.

During the hearing of a public interest litigation (PIL), the high court was apprised through a communication issued by the Sub-Divisional Officer (Civil), Member Secretary, SADA, District Lahaul and Spiti, addressed to the Advocate General, informing therein that of the sanctioned Rs 65.06 lakh for electrical infrastructure and connectivity at the site, 25 per cent (Rs 16.26 lakh) had been released to the Electricity Board on the same date.

The remaining amount is proposed to be released in instalments so that effective steps for providing electricity connection can be completed.

A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Jiya Lal Bhardwaj observed that M/s Suntan Life, which is managing the waste site at Rangri, had earlier been directed by orders to file an affidavit explaining the process of shredding organic waste and reducing its moisture content. Though such affidavit was filed on August 7, the high court found it necessary to seek a more detailed, site-specific affidavit clarifying the extent of waste collected and transported to the site, the method of processing and the manner of further disposal.

Expressing concern over reports that the site was in a “pathetic condition”, the Bench observed that since the dumping and processing site is located on the national highway, a foul smell greets visitors entering Manali, adversely affecting nearby educational institutions and hotels.

The high court directed the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board to conduct an immediate inspection and submit a detailed status report on the environmental conditions at the site. The matter has been listed for further hearing on March 2, 2026.