Home / Environment / Himachal Forest Dept Admits River Muck Dumping
Himachal Forest Dept Admits River Muck Dumping
4 Sep
Summary
- Muck dumped outside approved site into Beas river.
- Forest dept fined Rs 1.25 lakh for environmental damage.
- Unauthorised dumping occurred at multiple locations.
The Himachal Pradesh forest department has admitted to the National Green Tribunal (NGT) that unauthorized dumping of muck occurred outside the approved site for the Mandi-Pathankot four-laning project. This spillage extended into the Beas river, as confirmed in an affidavit filed by Principal Chief Conservator of Forests Sanjay Sood.
The department stated that this dumping was neither authorized nor part of the forest clearance. Field inspections detected dumping and spillage beyond the designated 1.4-hectare site. As a result, environmental damage was assessed at Rs 1.25 lakh, and legal proceedings were initiated under the Indian Forest Act.
Residents of Riverdale Colony had alerted the NGT in November 2025 regarding muck and boulders along the Beas bank. A subsequent joint committee inspection in December 2025 found significant lapses, including two unauthorized dumping sites. The Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board also identified unscientific dumping at six locations and levied an environmental compensation of Rs 6 lakh on the contractor.
The department has since fenced vulnerable areas, continued inspections, and noted stabilization work, including the construction of retaining structures. They affirm they will take action against future violations. The project received forest approval in November 2024 and final clearance in March 2025, with approximately 7.8 hectares of forest land diverted.
