The Himachal Pradesh High Court has taken strong action regarding illegal muck dumping in the Govind Sagar Lake and its tributaries in Bilaspur and nearby areas.
The court has asked the state pollution control board why criminal charges have not been filed against the assistant environmental engineers responsible for monitoring such activities.
The court, hearing a public interest case, instructed the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB) to provide details of the assistant environmental engineers who were in charge when the muck was illegally dumped in the lake, its tributaries, or other forest or public lands.
The court also demanded information on any actions taken against these officers, especially since it took months to remove 60 per cent of the dumped muck. The current assistant environmental engineer's affidavit states that nearly 40 per cent of the muck still remains to be cleared.
The bench said firmly, "The petitioners must file affidavits confirming that the illegally dumped muck has been removed and any necessary corrective actions have been taken. If not, this court may be forced to take action, including blacklisting the companies involved."
Additionally, the court directed the deputy commissioner and superintendent of police in Bilaspur to ensure regular patrolling on the national highway and at other vulnerable spots to prevent further illegal dumping of muck.
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