Pollution board flags violations in eco-sensitive Koksar panchayat

The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) has recommended environmental compensation against the Koksar gram panchayat for dumping solid waste near Sissu and along the Chandra river in Lahaul-Spiti district. The recommendation comes in connection with a case pending before the National Green Tribunal (NGT), which has now sought strict compliance with the directives of the pollution board.

The NGT has directed the Keylong SDM to submit a detailed compliance report within six weeks and to examine the issue of setting up a material recovery facility (MRF) near the Chandra river. The case of illegal and reckless solid waste dumping in Koksar, an area known for its ecological sensitivity, will be heard on January 16 by the NGT Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson) and Dr A Senthil Vel (Expert Member). The newly appointed SDM assured the Tribunal that she would ensure compliance with all directives at the earliest.

An inspection conducted by the HPSPCB team from Kullu on September 29 revealed several lapses under the jurisdiction of the Special Area Development Authority (SADA), Keylong. The board observed widespread littering of solid waste opposite the North Portal of the Atal Tunnel, along the highway, and on the banks of the Chandra river, posing a potential threat to water quality. Similar dumping was noticed on the hill slopes of Shakas and Biling Nallah near Keylong, indicating the lack of complete household waste collection.

The report noted that mixed solid waste had been dumped in and around Dimpul (Koksar) village, while the Material Recovery Facility (MRF) at Biling near Koksar remained non-operational, its gate found locked.

Furthermore, no awareness boards, warning signages or notices regarding penalties were installed by SADA, Keylong. Despite previous inspections and monitoring, the HPSPCB observed persistent deficiencies, prompting its recommendation for imposing an environmental penalty on the Koksar panchayat.