Quarterly status report in compliance to the orders of the National Green Tribunal order in O.A. 389/18. The issue for consideration is the remedial steps for maintaining ecology in the area of Manali and Rohtang Pass, Himachal Pradesh.

The report mentioned department-wise steps taken and compliance status. The Conservator of Forests, Kullu has informed that Stage-1 forest clearance was already been granted by the MoEF&CC for the diversion of 8.98 ha of forest land in favour of Manali Ropeway Pvt. Ltd. for the construction of the Palchan-Rohtang ropeway project. The project proponent has also deposited net present value (NPV) and compensatory afforestation amount of Rs. 1,13,36,324/- as well as amount of Rs. 1,16,35,274/- towards cost of trees and departmental charges with the forest department and the case for stage-II clearance had been sent by the nodal officer (FCA), Himachal Pradesh to the MoEF&CC on January 18, 2020.

Construction of sewage treatment plant (STP) at Marhi and work on the upgradation of STP at Manali has started.

After the successful trial of operation of electric buses on Rohtang stretch, 25 electric buses were procured by the Himachal Road Transport Corporation (HRTC). Seven charging points had been provided at Manali, four at Kullu and four at Mandi for the smooth operation of electric buses. 50 more electric buses were purchased during the year 2019-2020 for plying in and around Shimla so as to reduce pollution and to promote environment friendly public transport system in Himachal Pradesh. HRTC intends to purchase 100 more electric buses during 2020-2021. These were some of the measures mentioned in the report of the Secretary, Department of Environment, Science & Technology, Himachal Pradesh.

Note: The report of June 29, 2020 was uploaded to the NGT site on July 29, 2020