Kullu sewage crisis sparks environmental alarm

Abhishek Rai, president of the Himalayan Environment Conservation Organisation (HECO), has voiced concerns over the deteriorating sewerage infrastructure in the key areas of Kullu town, including Inner Akhara Bazaar, Lower Dhalpur, Shastri Nagar, Math and the stretch from the Electricity Department building to the hospital.

According to Rai, the failing sewerage system is causing widespread public inconvenience and poses a serious environmental threat to the Sarwari stream, a tributary of the Beas. He says that residents have long been demanding urgent repairs, particularly in Inner Akhara Bazar and the Math area where seepage from broken sewer lines has triggered recurring landslides. “The recent twin landslides in Inner Akhara Bazaar, which had claimed 10 lives, are a stark reminder of the catastrophic consequences of unchecked sewer leakage and systemic neglect,” he adds.

Rai highlights stagnation points near Ram Gali, which frequently choke and overflow, calling for an immediate overhaul to prevent further structural damage and public health risks. In his continued push for environmental accountability, Rai says that he has documented untreated sewage flowing through open drains due to a blocked chamber that remained unattended for over 47 hours. This, he adds, violates the directives of both Green Bench of the Himachal Pradesh High Court and the National Green Tribunal (NGT).

“The unchecked discharge of raw sewage into the Sarwari stream has led to severe pollution, foul odour and a daily nuisance for pedestrians and schoolchildren who travel through the Lower Dhalpur stretch — one of the busiest roads in Kullu,” Rai says. “Such disregard for public health and environmental safety is unacceptable,” he adds

Rai also draws attention towards the plight of sanitation workers, who are routinely tasked with cleaning sewerage lines and chambers without proper protective gear. “It is troubling that these workers are exposed to hazardous waste without even basic safety kits, putting their health and dignity at risk,” he adds.

The HECO has formally petitioned the Kullu Deputy Commissioner to issue a show-cause notice to the department responsible for non-compliance with the court orders. Rai has demanded punitive measures, including the blacklisting of the contractor responsible for the maintenance lapse and the imposition of fines as mandated by judicial directives.

“The organisation remains unwavering in its demand for accountability. Access to clean water and a safe environment is not a luxury — it is a fundamental right. Those entrusted with safeguarding these rights must be held accountable for their continued failure to uphold both legal and environmental responsibilities,” the environmentalist says.