Shimla, (UNI) The Principal Bench of the National Green Tribunal (NGT), New Delhi, has sought greater clarity on the utilisation of environmental compensation funds in Himachal Pradesh while granting additional time to the Joint Committee to submit its pending reports in an environmental compliance case relating to Bilaspur district.
The matter pertains to an Original Application filed by Kashmir Singh, concerning alleged environmental violations and remedial measures.
Earlier, the Tribunal had directed respondents to furnish complete details on the use of Rs. 20 lakh deposited as environmental compensation with the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board (HPPCB).
According to HPPCB, Rs. 15 lakh was utilised for installing 100 solar lights, while Rs. 5 lakh was returned to CPCB. An additional Rs. 10 lakh was deposited with the Government Hospital, Bilaspur.
However, the Tribunal noted that despite submission of action plans, specific details such as installation dates of solar lights and handpumps and the actual implementation of remedial measures were not clearly disclosed. Consequently, CPCB, HPPCB and the Government Hospital, Bilaspur, were directed to file detailed responses.
In the latest hearing on December 17, the NGT recorded that the Joint Committee could not submit its report within the prescribed time due to a delay in the receipt of a signed technical expert report dated December 13. It was also informed that comments from Dr. Narender Sharma, Scientist ‘F’, CPCB, were received on December 16.
Taking note of these submissions, the Bench comprising Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi and Dr. Afroz Ahmad granted four weeks’ additional time to the Joint Committee to file its duly signed report along with the CPCB expert’s comments. The matter has been listed for further hearing on February 12, 2026.
