Rampant dumping along roads defies high court ban

Ravinder Sood

Palampur, May 11

Despite a strict ban imposed by the Himachal Pradesh High Court and a subsequent notification by the state government, the unchecked dumping of construction debris and waste materials continues unabated along national highways, state roads, and in natural water bodies. The situation is particularly severe in Kangra district, where the Palampur-Baijnath and Palampur-Dharamshala highways have virtually turned into dumping grounds.

Large numbers of vehicles are frequently seen unloading debris near Sungal on the Pathankot-Mandi National Highway. Waste is also being dumped in green forest areas and local rivulets, leading to extensive environmental degradation. This illegal dumping has damaged roads, retaining walls built at high cost, and green belts developed for ecological balance.

On the Palampur-Sungal stretch of the highway, dozens of private vehicles are observed daily disposing of waste on the roadside and into nearby water streams. A small rivulet running parallel to the highway has shrunk from 15 meters to just five meters in the last two years due to debris dumping, severely obstructing the natural flow of water.

In Baijnath, tons of debris have been dumped near the Binwa Bridge, also along the highway, despite environmental laws prohibiting such activity. Local environmentalists have raised strong objections, but the practice continues unchecked. While the government has empowered Sub-Divisional Magistrates (SDMs) and Tehsildars to fine offenders, action on the ground is negligible.

The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) and the state Public Works Department (PWD)—the custodians of these roads—have failed to take any concrete action. Neither notices nor penalties have been issued to violators. Ironically, senior officers of both NHAI and PWD travel these roads regularly but continue to ignore the growing problem.

In another disturbing example, a forest area near Maranda on the Palampur-Maranda road has also been turned into a dumping site. The road has narrowed considerably due to roadside waste, leading to several fatal accidents.

In its judgment last year, the HC directed the state government to prevent the dumping of garbage, debris, muck, and stones in forests, rivers, water channels, and along roads. The court highlighted the obstruction of natural water flow and the threat of flash floods caused by such dumping. However, authorities in Kangra district, particularly NHAI and PWD, have yet to implement these directives.

Himachal Tribune