HP govt faces NGT's ire for filing half-baked report

Himachal Pradesh government today faced the wrath of National Green Tribunal for filing a "half- baked report" on waste management plans and other issues relating to commercial activities in the eco-sensitive Rohtang Pass area.
A bench headed by NGT chairperson Justice Swatanter Kumar observed that the government had done nothing on the issue and there was nothing in its report about these crucial aspects.
"How are you going to regulate the number of horses? There is nothing in your report about this. Yesterday, your AAG said everything is there in the report but there is nothing in it," the bench said.

"Do you have any place in Manali to dump waste? Nothing of this kind has been said in the report. This is a half-baked report," it said, adding, "Give us a complete picture. Kindly give us in black and white. You have done nothing."
The tribunal, which fixed the matter for hearing on April 21, was hearing the issues relating to ban on commercial activities in the Rohtang Pass area which is affecting the livelihood of people.
During the hearing, the bench asked the government about its plans to control waste generated by tourist acvtivities in the area.

"Give us the complete picture on control of waste that is generated there. How will you lay down a passage so that snow is not damaged. There has to be a complete prohibition of carrying of plastics and eatables,"

The bench said.
It asked the state government to prepare a complete chart of steps which it is contemplating to take on these issues.
On July 16 last year, the green panel had asked the state to hold consultations with all stakeholders, whose livelihood would be affected by ban on commercial activities and frame a rehabilitation plan to re-engage them in alternative employments and sustainable tourism.
Rohtang Pass is a high mountain pass on the eastern Pir Panjal Range of the Himalayas around 51 km from Manali and connects Kullu Valley with the Lahaul and Spiti district of Himachal Pradesh.