NGT Takes Strict Action in Himachal Pradesh Environmental Damage Case
The National Green Tribunal has issued a fresh directive to the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board, demanding a comprehensive compliance report regarding the recovery of environmental compensation in a significant case involving large-scale hill cutting and illegal tree felling in Una district.
The tribunal's order came during proceedings held on Friday, November 22, 2025, where it expressed the need for updated information on the progress made in recovering the compensation amount from the accused party.
Background of the Environmental Violation
The case originated from a petition filed by Bhavak Parasher, who alleged that Indu Walia had used heavy machinery to remove an entire mountain top in village Mahalat of Una district. The petition detailed how the mountain remains were dumped down the slopes, causing extensive and irreversible damage to the local topography and ecosystem.
Initially, the tribunal had disposed of the matter on August 27, 2024, with clear instructions to the HPSPCB to calculate environmental compensation and take appropriate punitive action against the violator.
Compensation Calculation and Initial Orders
In its earlier judgment, the NGT had firmly established that Indu Walia was liable to pay environmental compensation for the ecological damage caused. The tribunal had given the pollution control board a three-month deadline to determine the exact compensation amount and ensure its recovery.
The HPSPCB responded by submitting a report dated December 13, 2024, which revealed that they had calculated an environmental compensation of Rs 3,83,870. This assessment was conducted in consultation with the Forest Department and followed the methodology established by the Uttarakhand Pollution Control Board for evaluating damage caused by illegal tree cutting activities.
The compensation was formally imposed on Walia, who is identified as the wife of Ram Parkash Singh, Director of Group Colonizer Private Limited, and a resident of Basant Vihar, Rakar Colony in Una.
Current Status and Future Proceedings
Despite the initial compliance report, the NGT bench observed that further directions were necessary in the matter. The tribunal has now directed its Registry to issue formal notice to the HPSPCB, requiring them to furnish an updated compliance report with the latest developments in the case.
The case has been scheduled for its next hearing on January 30, 2026, where the tribunal will review the fresh compliance report and issue appropriate orders based on the findings.
This case highlights the continuing efforts of the National Green Tribunal to enforce environmental laws and ensure that those responsible for ecological damage are held accountable for their actions. The tribunal's persistent monitoring of compliance demonstrates its commitment to environmental justice in cases of illegal construction and deforestation activities across Himachal Pradesh.
