Rohtang Pass: Himachal faces NGT’s ire for filing half-baked report

The Himachal Pradesh government on friday faced the National Green Tribunal’s (NGT) wrath 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 the ban on commercial activities in the Rohtang Pass area, which is affecting the livelihood of people.

The Bench said: “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 on carrying plastics and eatables.” 

It asked the state government to prepare a complete chart of steps that it is contemplating to take on these issues.