Shimla- Illegal dumping of road muck and debris in non-designated areas and catchment zones in Chamba has drawn serious attention from the High Court of Himachal Pradesh. The court has taken action against those responsible and ordered disciplinary measures.
The Engineer-in-Chief, HPPWD, has been directed to identify the officials overseeing this work and initiate appropriate disciplinary action against them.
The Division bench comprising the Chief Justice MS Ramchandra Rao and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel issued this order on a Public Interest Litigation filed by Sanjeevan Singh, Up-Pradhan of Gram Panchayat, Motla, Tehsil Sihunta, District Chamba.
According to the petitioner, the contractor involved in the road widening project from Motla to Sukhiyar has been unlawfully and recklessly disposing of muck and debris along the hill slopes and in nearby streams.
The illegal dumping during the rainy season poses a threat to the lives of the villagers and causes significant damage to their properties.
The petitioner also alleges that the authorities have been unresponsive despite numerous complaints.
The court previously instructed the Secretary of District Legal Services Authority, Chamba, to investigate the site and submit a report. The report confirmed damage to residential houses, government buildings, agricultural fields, and illegal dumping in forest areas.
The Advocate General assured the court that concrete action would be taken within two weeks to clear the area of muck and initiate appropriate measures against the contractors responsible for illegal dumping.
The court has adjourned the matter until July 31, 2023.