Home / Environment / Park Waste Facility Row: NGT Adjourns Hearing
Park Waste Facility Row: NGT Adjourns Hearing
15 Jul
Summary
- NGT adjourned hearing on Kullu park waste facility due to pending High Court case.
- Himachal High Court ordered status quo for the proposed waste facility site.
- Waste facility operates near Sarwari river violating norms, lacks authorization.
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) adjourned a hearing on Wednesday concerning the proposed Material Recovery Facility (MRF) within Kullu's Nehru Park. The adjournment came after the tribunal noted the matter is already before the Himachal Pradesh High Court, which had previously ordered a status quo at the site.
The High Court is currently examining a petition filed by the Senior Citizen Council of Kullu, challenging the MRF's establishment in the park. The petition highlights concerns that the park, after recent renovations, could be adversely affected by the waste facility.
A joint committee, formed by the NGT, reported on June 27, 2026, that the MRF is operating in gross violation of norms. The facility is situated perilously close to the Sarwari river, approximately 15-20 meters away, and lacks mandatory authorization from the Himachal Pradesh Pollution State Control Board (HPSPCB).
Further findings indicated the facility functions as a dumping ground for mixed municipal solid waste, lacking scientific wet waste processing. Concerns were raised about leachate potentially contaminating the Sarwari river during heavy rainfall, alongside issues of foul odor and unhygienic conditions.
