NGT pulls up authorities over illegal riverbank constructions in Himachal

The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has taken suo motu cognizance of a news report highlighting illegal constructions in Himachal Pradesh despite a government ban imposed after the 2023 floods.

The report noted that multi-storey buildings are being constructed on riverbanks and hillsides without proper checks, in violation of environmental laws, thereby increasing risks in this disaster-prone region.

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In the absence of effective monitoring and enforcement, the Tribunal has issued notices to state and central authorities, directing them to file their replies before the next hearing on November 14.

The NGT observed that despite the ban in place since 2023, the Town and Country Planning Department has failed to implement the directive seriously.

The Tribunal has directed the respondents, which include the Department of Town and Country Planning, Department of Urban Development, Department of Environment, Science, Technology & Climate Change, Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, and the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, Dehradun, to submit their affidavits at least one week before the next hearing date.