The Uttarakhand High Court has issued a strict directive to the state's pollution control authorities, demanding answers on the alleged illegal operation of sawmills within residential neighbourhoods of Haldwani. The court has given the board a two-week deadline to clarify whether these industrial units have the necessary environmental permits.
Court Bench Hears Public Interest Litigation
A division bench comprising Chief Justice G Narendar and Justice Subhash Upadhyay was presiding over the hearing on Tuesday. The bench was addressing a public interest litigation (PIL) that calls for the immediate shutdown of sawmills accused of running unlawfully in the city.
The petition was filed by Rohan Chandrawati, a concerned resident of Haldwani. In his plea, Chandrawati claimed that dozens of sawmills are functioning across various parts of the city without securing the mandatory clearances from the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board. He further argued that these facilities fail to meet the prescribed standards set by the regulatory body.
Residents' Plight and Demand for Relocation
The core grievance presented in court highlights the severe disruption caused to everyday life. The petitioner emphasised that the noise pollution generated by these sawmills is profoundly affecting the well-being of local residents. Students and individuals who are unwell are reportedly suffering the most, with their sleep and peace being severely compromised.
Chandrawati's solution, as submitted to the court, is a clear call for action. He has urged that these sawmills be removed from residential zones entirely and shifted to a designated industrial area. This relocation, he contends, is essential to protect citizens from the constant nuisance and health risks posed by the industrial operations in their backyards.
What Happens Next?
The Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board now has precisely two weeks, as ordered by the High Court, to submit its detailed response. The board must clarify its stance on the permits and compliance status of the sawmills in question. This case puts a spotlight on the critical balance between urban planning, industrial activity, and the fundamental right of citizens to a healthy living environment. The court's upcoming decision could set a significant precedent for how similar conflicts between residential peace and commercial operations are resolved in the state.
