Principal Secy, Sirmaur DC fined in green damage case

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken strict action against government officials in a case pertaining to alleged environmental damage caused by a limestone company in Sirmaur district. The tribunal has imposed a fine of Rs 10,000 on the Principal Secretary, Environment and Forests, and the Deputy Commissioner (DC) of Sirmaur for failing to appear before it.

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Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, in a recent order, directed the Deputy Commissioner to be present at the next hearing with all necessary documents related to the case. The penalty was imposed due to the continuous absence of both officials from the tribunal’s proceedings, despite multiple notices.

The case originated from a petition filed by residents of Kuner village in Kamrau tehsil, who alleged that Giri Lime and Chemical Private Limited was causing heavy environmental degradation through its limestone mining activities. The petition, filed in July 2023, stated that construction and demolition waste from the mining company had damaged local structures, obstructed water streams and pathways and negatively impacted agricultural fields.

The petitioners, primarily from the Dalit community, claimed that despite repeated complaints, the administration took no action. They also expressed fear that if the company’s operations go on unchecked, debris from the mining site could bury their entire village in the future.

In response, the NGT had formed a joint committee in April last year, comprising representatives from the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) and the Sirmaur Deputy Commissioner’s office. The committee was tasked with investigating the villagers’ claims.

The joint committee conducted an on-site inspection and later reported that the mining company had undertaken corrective measures. These included the restoration of a ‘baoli’ (a natural water source) and the revival of an abandoned water source near the river. However, the NGT found deficiencies in the report, citing the lack of factual data and supporting documents and ordered a fresh probe into the matter.

The case took an unexpected turn when the Deputy Commissioner submitted a status report to the tribunal in October 2023, alleging that the petitioners had concealed facts and reached a settlement with the mining company. However, the NGT granted both Forest Secretary and Sirmaur DC another opportunity to submit their replies and told the DC to be present at the next hearing with all records.