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Illegal dumping pollutes Paprola’s rivulets, residents demand action

The illegal dumping of solid waste and plastic in rivulets near Paprola town is causing significant distress for residents in the lower areas of the town. Farmers have reported that plastic and other waste are flowing into their fields through...
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Solid waste and plastic are seen dumped in the rivulet. Tribune photo
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The illegal dumping of solid waste and plastic in rivulets near Paprola town is causing significant distress for residents in the lower areas of the town. Farmers have reported that plastic and other waste are flowing into their fields through water originating from these polluted rivulets, damaging crops and disrupting livelihoods. Despite lodging multiple complaints with the Baijnath Paprola Municipal Council, no action has been taken to address the issue.

A visit to Paprola revealed large-scale dumping of waste in a rivulet near the Indian Oil Petrol Pump. In addition to solid waste, many residents have illegally connected septic tank outlets to the rivulet, leading to severe water pollution. Families living along the waterway are struggling with the constant foul smell emanating from the contaminated rivulet. Plastic waste and construction debris have also been dumped near the Navodaya School, further worsening the situation.

Rajan Chaudhary, vice-president of the Baijnath Paprola Municipal Council, expressed frustration over the inaction of the administration. “The waste dumped and effluent released from septic tanks are flowing into our fields, damaging crops. Despite repeated complaints to the municipal council, no steps have been taken to address this issue,” he said.

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Residents like Rakesh Kumar lament the drastic decline in the quality of the water. “There was a time when this rivulet’s water was crystal clear and safe for drinking. Today, it is highly polluted and unsuitable even for irrigation or feeding animals,” he said. Kumar also noted that the polluted rivulet is contaminating the Binwa river, which is a critical source for several drinking water supply schemes managed by the IPH department.

The problem is not limited to Paprola. Illegal dumping of construction muck and other debris into rivers and on hill slopes continues unabated in Baijnath and surrounding areas. The Binwa and Punn rivers, along with smaller khuds, are being choked by construction waste. Despite clear orders from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Himachal Pradesh High Court to curb such activities, the municipal authorities have failed to take action against offenders.

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Local residents allege that the administration is turning a blind eye to the problem, allowing individuals to dump waste with impunity. Geologists have repeatedly warned the Kangra district administration about the dangers of illegal dumping, emphasising that it not only pollutes water bodies but also destabilises hill slopes, increasing the risk of landslides.

The Himachal Pradesh High Court and the NGT have established rules that allow municipal councils to impose fines on individuals who dump solid waste into rivers and rivulets. However, penalties are rarely enforced in the Baijnath Paprola area, allowing the practice to continue unchecked.

Residents are demanding immediate action to halt the illegal dumping and enforce existing rules. Strong measures, including penalties and clean-up initiatives, are urgently needed to protect the environment, ensure public health and safeguard water sources in the region.

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