MC defies NGT order, continues dumping in Binwa river

Despite explicit directions from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) and the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HP PCB), Baijnath Municipal Council (MC) continues to dump garbage into the Binwa river, a major tributary of the Beas. The river, which serves as a drinking water source for over 50 villages, has turned into an open dumping ground, raising serious environmental and health concerns.

The Jal Shakti Department sources water from Binwa for multiple drinking water schemes, but ongoing contamination has led to a rapid decline in water quality. Local residents report that heaps of garbage have piled up on the riverbanks, emitting a foul stench and making it difficult for people to sit at nearby cremation grounds

Three years ago, HP PCB imposed Rs 7-lakh fine on Baijnath MC for violating anti-pollution regulations. However, this penalty has failed to deter the municipal authorities and dumping continues unabated. Residents allege that due to the absence of strict monitoring, even in broad daylight, garbage-laden tempos dump waste directly into the river.

Baijnath MC has already acquired 40 kanals of land along Punn Khud, where a garbage treatment plant with new machinery has been set up. However, instead of transporting waste to the facility, the contractor hired by the MC continues to dispose of garbage in Binwa River.

With summer approaching, the number of gastroenteritis cases in the area has spiked and health experts warn of a possible epidemic if immediate action is not taken. The Health Department has issued directions to all Deputy Commissioners (DCs) and Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) to ensure water sources are cleaned before summer begins, yet no steps have been taken to stop pollution in Binwa.

Tilak Raj, former Chairman of the Baijnath Block Development Committee, stated that despite repeated complaints, the MC has failed to act. “Yesterday, I personally caught a tempo belonging to Baijnath MC dumping garbage in the river,” he revealed.

Local residents are demanding urgent intervention from the district administration and pollution control authorities to enforce strict penalties and ensure proper waste disposal.