Order of the National Green Tribunal regarding pollution of Ashwani Khad, Himachal Pradesh, 02/01/2024.

Order of the National Green Tribunal in the matter of In re: News item appearing in News Himachal dated 04.12.2023 titled “Ashwani Khad : The Most Polluted River in Himachal Pradesh” dated 02/01/2024. The original application is registered in suo-moto exercise of power on the basis of the news item titled “Ashwani Khad: The Most Polluted River in Himachal Pradesh” appearing in News Himachal dated December 4, 2023. The news item said that the rivers and streams of Himachal Pradesh are grappling with a surge in pollution and Ashwani Khad in Shimla has been found to be the most polluted river in the state.

The news item revealed that the pollution in Ashwani Khad primarily stems from the discharge of effluents from sewage treatment plants. The BOD level in Ashwani Khad escalated from 70 mg per liter in 2022 to an alarming 80 mg per liter in the current assessment.

Counsel for the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board has informed that an action plan for rejuvenation of all the 9 rivers in the state has already been prepared and the consultations are in progress in respect of implementation of the action plans. She submits that the entire process is being reviewed by the Chief Secretary of the state.

The NGT directed the Chief Secretary, Himachal Pradesh to file an affidavit within four weeks indicating the timeline for implementation of the action plan to clean the 9 rivers of Himachal Pradesh.