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HC Orders Forest Waste Inspection
16 Sep
Summary
- Court orders fresh inspection of Nainital-Kaladhungi highway stretch.
- PIL highlights plastic waste dumping violating pollution standards.
- Authorities warned of closure orders for littering violations.
The Uttarakhand high court has mandated a fresh inspection of the Barapathar to Russi bypass stretch along the Nainital-Kaladhungi highway. This directive follows a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) concerning widespread plastic waste dumping into forests and water bodies.
The PIL, filed by advocate Lalit Miglani, brought to light how numerous roadside establishments discharge untreated sewage and dump waste, contaminating natural water sources like Sarita Tal and Khurpa Tal. Despite government claims of compliance with prior orders, court-presented photographs indicated the situation remained unchanged as of Wednesday morning.
The court emphasized the area's critical water catchment status. It directed authorities to conduct a new site inspection and submit a compliance report, issuing a stern warning of closure orders for offending business operators. The bench also addressed jurisdictional issues raised by Nainital municipality regarding service provision to areas under gram panchayats, instructing the formation of a policy to safeguard local employment.
Additionally, the court denied an immediate unsealing request from Dynasty Hotel in Khurpatal. Hotel management was advised to approach the Pollution Control Board directly for its claims of meeting standards.
