The Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Kangra to inspect the River Bank of Neugal River and verify whether garbage is still being dumped on the bank of the river, and submit a report.

While perusing the reply filed by the Commissioner, Municipal Corporation in the matter, a bench of Chief Justice MS Ramchandra Rao and Justice Ajay Mohan Goel observed, “...the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Kangra, H.P. is directed to get the inspection done of the River Bank of Neugal River falling within the jurisdiction of such Corporation and report as to whether there is still dumping of garbage on the bank of the said river and whether in fact steps are being taken by the Municipal Corporation as stated in its reply".

Advocate Ajay Kumar Chauhan appeared for the respondents.
The Court further directed the Registry to send a copy of the Paper Book to the Secretary, District Legal Services Authority, Kangra, H.P.
The bench further listed the matter on August 17, 2023.
The court took suo motu cognizance in the matter based on a May 16 news published as “Memo submitted against waste dumping on Neugal banks”.
As per the published news, Dhauladhar Sewa Samiti, a local NGO, agitated against the dumping of garbage on the Neugal banks by the Palampur Municipal Corporation for affecting the environment and the health of people..

As per the publisher news, a local NGO named The members of the NGO had submitted a memorandum to the Municipal Commissioner, Palampur. The news report stated that garbage dumping on the Neugal banks had not only affected the environment and the health of people but also caused large-scale pollution in the area.

Cause Title: Court on its own motion v. State of H.P. and Others

Chief Justice MS Ramchandra RaoJustice Ajay Mohan Goel

Agatha Shukla