Shimla: The High Court of Himachal Pradesh has issued a Contempt of Court notice to EPR Plastic Pvt. Ltd., Shakti Plastic Industries, and Rekar Innovation (P) Ltd.
The court has ordered their Managing Directors to appear personally to explain why they should not be prosecuted for violating court orders.
On June 20, 2024, the court noted that sewage and sullage were being discharged into the Chandrabhaga River at various locations in Lahaul & Spiti.
The Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul & Spiti, in response, formed a committee to investigate.
The committee found that most commercial units in Jispa have septic tanks and soak pits, but some eateries were discharging sullage into open land. Immediate orders were given to these units to install soak pits within 15 days.
At Tandi, community toilets were found to be effective, but some eateries needed to improve sullage management.
In Sissu, while community toilets were properly managed, a sullage pipe was found discharging into Sissu Nallah. Strict directions were given to rectify these issues.
The court emphasized the need for sustainable tourism practices, citing Sikkim's policy requiring tourist vehicles to carry garbage bags. The Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul & Spiti and the Principal Secretary (Forest) are directed to ensure compliance with environmental regulations and report back by August 1, 2024.