Himachal High Court Orders Strict Commercial Ban Near Renuka Ji Lake Ahead of Fair
SHIMLA — The Himachal Pradesh High Court has ordered a strict ban on setting up commercial stalls and tents within a 100-meter buffer zone of the Renuka Ji Lake and Parshuram Tal to protect the eco-fragile sanctuary area ahead of the upcoming annual fair.
Hearing a batch of public interest litigations, Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi pulled up authorities over severe environmental degradation, plastic littering, and stray cattle consuming waste during previous events.
The bench directed that all commercial activities must be strictly confined to designated mela grounds rather than blocking the sacred parikrama route.
To curb massive waste accumulation, the court mandated that vendor permits include provisions requiring them to take back plastic packaging.
Authorities have been instructed to deploy at least 100 temporary toilets, enhance sanitation workforces, and ensure zero burning of garbage. Furthermore, a joint flying squad will check plastic items at entry gates with strict challan powers.
Addressing noise pollution concerns within the wildlife sanctuary, the bench prohibited loudspeakers and amplified sound systems, ruling that all cultural stages must be relocated outside sanctuary limits.
The Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board will monitor daily decibel levels, while the forest and police departments enforce silence zones around lakefront temples.
The court also expressed strong displeasure over long-delayed actions regarding illegal encroachments on government land within the sanctuary, ordering expedited legal proceedings matching Supreme Court directives.
An inspection committee comprising the amicus curiae, district nominees, and wildlife officials will oversee sanitation before and after the fair, which runs from November 19 to November 24, 2026. The matter has been listed for further compliance on December 15, 2026.
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