NGT Presses Himachal to Address Kullu's Waste Crisis as High Court Monitors

In November 2025, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken strong action to address the waste management crisis in Kullu, Himachal Pradesh. The case was triggered by a viral video earlier this year, which showed the popular hill station buried under piles of garbage.

The NGT has now directed the Himachal Pradesh chief secretary to submit a detailed affidavit on the steps taken to ensure compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, in Kullu district. The Tribunal has also asked the chief secretary to instruct the adjudicating officer to take suo motu cognizance of violations and impose penalties on defaulting departments, officers, and private parties.

Interestingly, the Himachal Pradesh High Court had also taken suo motu cognizance of the issue and is conducting independent monitoring. However, the NGT has declined to step back, stating that both forums can proceed concurrently, with the High Court's orders taking precedence in case of any conflict.

To ensure accountability across departments, the NGT has also impleaded the chief secretary and the principal secretaries of the Urban Development and Rural Development departments as respondents in the case. These departments have been directed to file their own responses detailing compliance with the waste management rules.

The Tribunal has set a strict timeline, with all parties required to complete the remaining pleadings within a month, and the matter listed for final hearing on January 16, 2026. The NGT's proactive stance and the concurrent involvement of the High Court suggest that the authorities in Himachal Pradesh will face increasing pressure to find a lasting solution to Kullu's waste crisis.