NGT Takes Strong Action Against Highway Builders for River Pollution
The National Green Tribunal has come down hard on authorities responsible for damaging the Beas river ecosystem. In a significant move, the environmental court issued show-cause notices to the National Highway Authority of India and its contractor, Gawar Mandi Highways Private Ltd.
The tribunal wants to know why exemplary environmental compensation should not be imposed on both entities. This action follows confirmed reports of illegal and unscientific muck-dumping along the Beas river banks near Mandi town in Himachal Pradesh.
Court Demands Immediate Accountability
Justice Prakash Shrivastava, chairperson of the NGT, directed both NHAI and Gawar Mandi Highways to file their replies within one month. The court specifically ordered them to outline remedial measures with clear action plans, budgetary allocations, and implementation details.
The tribunal made Gawar Construction Ltd and the Union environment ministry respondents in the case. It observed their presence was essential for proper adjudication of this environmentally significant matter.
Procedural Delays Draw Court's Ire
The NGT expressed strong displeasure over unnecessary adjournments caused by NHAI's absence during hearings. The court emphasized the urgent need for remedial action to prevent irreversible environmental damage.
According to the order, the NHAI chairman personally assured the tribunal he would investigate the matter thoroughly. He promised to file an appropriate reply and ensure proper representation before the court.
How the Violations Came to Light
The case originated from a letter petition filed by residents of Sauli Khad housing colony near Mandi. In November 2025, the NGT formed a joint committee to investigate claims of illegal muck-dumping in the area.
The committee's report confirmed serious violations by Gawar Construction. The company carried out major muck-dumping without adequate protection measures, resulting in significant spillage along the river bank.
Investigators found even more disturbing practices:
- The company dumped muck at two additional non-designated sites
- They discharged waste directly into Ropa Nullah, a Beas river tributary
- This dumping might obstruct the natural course of the rivulet during monsoon season
The NGT has scheduled February 19 as the next hearing date for this critical environmental case.
Separate NHAI Project Faces Scrutiny in Shimla
In a related development, the NGT ordered NHAI to implement safety precautions during highway widening in Shimla's Dhalli area. The court acted on a petition filed by local resident Narender Rathore concerning National Highway 5 expansion work.
The January 8 order recognized the petition raised substantial issues about environmental norm compliance. Rathore claimed the four-laning work on the Kaithlighat-Dhalli section damaged part of his land.
His land sits on a fragile 70-degree slope that is environmentally sensitive. According to the petition, road widening proceeded without first strengthening the slope, triggering landslides on his property.
The tribunal fixed February 9 as the next hearing date for this separate but related matter.
Notably, safety concerns extend beyond these specific cases. Authorities evacuated a building near Sanjauli on January 9 after it developed cracks from NHAI's tunneling work along the highway.
