Impact Of Industrial Waste Dumping On Water Pollution In Himachal Pradesh

Author: LawSphereX

Category: Environmental Law

Published: 2026-08-23T20:17:02.453142+00:00

Updated: 2026-08-26T17:11:14.286+00:00

IMPACT OF INDUSTRIAL WASTE DUMPING ON WATER

POLLUTION IN HIMACHAL PRADESH

Rishu Mala, Research Scholar, Department of Laws, Himachal Pradesh University, Shimla, India

ABSTRACT

Rapid urbanization and commercial activities have resulted in exponential population growth in the cities. Thus, a load is on the industries and factories to fulfill all the needs of the high-density population. This economic development in the cities is resulting in heavy and unmanaged waste discharge from these industries. Factories-generated pollution is currently the biggest issues with the water pollution problems in India. Constitutionally, water is designed as a ‘State’ subject, subject to the intervention of the Central Government. Thus, the Government of India has proposed several effluent discharge control measures for industrial pollution abatement. Though these strategies are beneficial per se, there is a need to evaluate also the impact of alternative strategies on the water quality before rigorously implementing them.

The concentration of major heavy metals in the water is contributing to water pollution. To combat water pollution water law nowadays becoming the central area of concern for everyone as it is the basic need of society. There exist several international treaties, multiple nonbinding instruments that are directly or indirectly concerned with water conservation and controlling water pollution. Thus, the present article is an in-depth analysis of specific instance of industrial dumping, its impact on water pollution and potential regulatory frameworks to mitigate such pollution specifically in Himachal Pradesh. Furthermore, article seeks to highlight the structure of water laws in India, the multiplicity of legal instruments and the remedies available. Ultimately the round of arguments is advanced to consider water as a fundamental right under the Constitution of India.

If there is magic on this planet, it is contained in water - Loran Eisely Introduction Access to water is a fundamental and basic human Right, but for many it is still a luxury. Global average basic drinking water service is just 71%, which means 3 out of every 10 individuals does not have access to basic drinking water. Water is not just about individual health it has a larger implication on Nation’s Wellbeing, Rate of Migration, State of Conflict, and Economic Health. Without water, no life can survive. Still, pollution-free water which is necessary for healthy life seems to be a rare commodity today, especially in our big cities and towns. 1 Industrial waste dumping significantly contributes to water pollution, primarily through the discharge of effluents that contaminate river channels.

These effluents introduce a range of pollutants, including dissolved solids, heavy metals, and toxic chemicals, leading to physical, biological, and chemical degradation of water quality. 2 In particular, industrial wastewater is a major source of pollution in regions like Egypt, where untreated discharges can harm public health and aquatic ecosystems. 3 The presence of hazardous substances, such as cadmium, further exacerbates the issue, as it is toxic and persistent in the environment, posing long-term risks to marine life and human health. Regulatory measures, such as effluent limits, are crucial in mitigating these impacts by setting maximum allowable pollutant levels in wastewater discharges.

4 However, without proper management and enforcement, the increasing pressures from urbanization and industrial activities continue to threaten water quality, making it imperative to address the challenges posed by industrial wastewater discharges effectively. 5 Himachal Pradesh, a state known for its picturesque landscapes and natural beauty, faces a pressing environmental challenge: industrial waste dumping. There has been noticed many incidents of the industrial waste dumping. Thus, this article is to delve into the complexities of

1 2 G.S. Bajwa, Environmental Management: Problems and Prospects, Environment Management in India,

Edited by R.K. Sapru, Ashish Publishing House 8/81, Punjabi Bagh New Delhi-110026. 2 Abdel Wahaab R, Upgrading of Industrial wastewater Treatment Units at Automobile Industry, 13 Biomed Environ Sci, 219-224 (2000). 3 Ab. Latif Ibrahim, The Impact of Urbanization, and Industrialization on River Water Quality: A Case Study of Sungai Kluang, Bayan Lepas, Pulau Pinang, (2002).

4 Dietrich H. Earnhart, Water Pollution from Industrial Sources, 114-120 (2013).

5 P. Literathy, Industrial Wastes and Water Pollution, 20 NATO ASI Series, Springer, Dordrecht, 21-32 (1996).

this issue, examining the nature and scale of industrial waste generation in the state, its detrimental effects on water resources, and the urgent need for sustainable waste management strategies. It aims to highlight the urgent need for effective policies and practices to mitigate the ecological and health consequences of industrial waste pollution. Overview of the Industrial Sector in Himachal Pradesh The industrial sector in Himachal Pradesh is characterized by its diversity, with key industries such as pharmaceuticals, textiles, food processing, and hydropower playing significant roles in the state's economy and employment generation. To foster growth, the state has implemented various industrial development policies that offer incentives like subsidies and tax exemptions, making it an attractive destination for investors.

Investment opportunities are particularly promising in renewable energy, tourism, and manufacturing, bolstered by the state's natural resources and strategic location. The government has also launched initiatives aimed at enhancing the industrial landscape, including skill development programs and financial assistance schemes, which are crucial for creating a supportive environment for businesses. 6 Furthermore, infrastructure development is vital for industrial growth, with ongoing projects focused on improving transportation, power supply, and communication networks. This enhanced infrastructure is essential for facilitating better connectivity and operational efficiency for industries.

Overall, the combination of diverse industries, supportive policies, investment opportunities, government initiatives, and infrastructure development positions Himachal Pradesh as a promising hub for industrial expansion. As a positive aspect the industrial sector's contribution to the Gross State Domestic Product has increased significantly, peaking in 2010-11 before declining by 2013-14. Manufacturing and electricity sectors have also shown a substantial growth. In addition to this the small scale and large medium industries have experienced growth rates, with significant increases in the early 1990s and again from 2003-04 to 2008-09.

7 Himachal Pradesh's primary industrial areas are: Baddi, in the Solan district, is known for its textile and pharmaceutical industries; Barotiwala is a centre for small-scale multi-industry; Parwanoo, in the same district, is an industrial cluster for High Density Polythene (HDPE); Chambaghat, in the Solan district, has notable electronics companies; Ponta Sahib, in the Sirmaur district, has several

6 John B. Miller, The SR 91 Express Lanes, 102 ISDF, 53-70 (2002).

7 Sanjeev Kumar & Falguni Pattanaik, Growth and Structure of Industrial Sector in Himachal Pradesh. 6, 44 (2017).

pharmaceutical and chemical companies; Tahiwal and Gagret, in the district of Una, are known for their prominent telecommunications companies; Amb, in the Una district, is known for prominent engineering and automotive companies; and Sansarpur, in the Kangra district, has some of North India's top engineering firms. 8 Common Types of Industrial Waste Generated i. Solid waste i. e. discarded materials such as packaging, machinery parts, and production byproducts. ii. Liquid waste i. e. wastewater containing dissolved chemicals, heavy metals, and organic pollutants. iii. Hazardous waste i. e. generated mostly by the manufacture, processing, and other industrial processes of chemicals. When improperly stored, transported, treated, or disposed of, they might cause harm.

These materials pose a significant risk to human health and the environment, including toxic chemicals, radioactive substances, and biomedical waste. iv. Bio-Medical waste i. e. often produced at medical institutions such as clinics, hospitals, blood banks, and others. They might eventually become dangers and carry a significant risk of infection if not treated appropriately. Improper Disposal Practices of Industrial Waste A major reason for the water pollution in the State is the lack of proper waste

management infrastructure and the prevalence of improper disposal practices. Many industries resort to illegal dumping of waste into rivers, streams, and landfills, which lack adequate liners and leachate collection systems. This irresponsible disposal poses a direct threat to water resources and the surrounding ecosystems. It has come from the studies that 84% of Punjab has already been converted into deserts because of overexploitation of ground water. Similar situation has been seen in Haryana, Western UP, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. The level of water pollution and the status of water quality of the water bodies in the state of Himachal

8 Industrial Development & Economic Growth in Himachal March 2020 State Report India Brand Equity

Foundation (IBEF). (Sept. 9, 2024, 10:04 AM), https://www.ibef.org/industry/himachal-pradesh-presentation#.

Pradesh can be seen from the annual report9 released by the State Board of the year 2021-22. The annual report released by the Pollution Control Board has revealed the serious situation of increasing water pollution in the major rivers of the Himachal Pradesh. The water quality was assessed at 243 selected locations. This includes 191 river waters, 52 ground water, and other sources. The samples were taken on monthly basis and tested on various parameters. According to the report, about 210. 5 million liters of dirty water is being generated in the state every day. Everyday 129. 7 million liters of dirty water is being released into the rivers without treatment. Only 80. 8 million liters are being treated properly. Water quality in Beas, Sutlej, Yamuna, Giri, Sarsa and other rivers has fallen below national standards at many places.

The capacity of sewage treatment plants located in the state is only 119. 5 million liters per day. Out of this, the main causes of pollution include dirty water from cities and industrial areas, partially treated sewerage, and pollution from agricultural chemical waste. The report also highlights that the pollution is also in Giri and Ashwini ravines as the water is severely polluted, especially where the dirty water from the urban drains meets the river. The water has biological oxygen demand and coliform the number of bacteria is several times higher than the standards which puts it in the ‘C’ category, which is extremely bad for water. The number of incidents including this are being revealed by the newspapers daily. The newspaper reported in their newspaper that the condition of the Sarsa river is also worrying due to the waste coming from Baddi and Kala Amb.

The level of biological oxygen demand in the river was found to be many times higher than the national standards. Due to the high levels of BOD in the river, the dissolved oxygen in the water has decreased dangerously, which could be fatal for human as well as the aquatic life too. So as the with the quality of the water of Beas River. The report reveals that the water quality is somehow good in the upper mandi region of Mandi but it is bad in the lower parts. The water quality here is also placed in ‘C’ category. The coliform bacteria in it are more than the danger level. These bacteria are harmful for humans. Distillery polluting waterbody in Kasauli, Himachal Pradesh. 10 In response to claims of pollution made by Mohan Meakin Pvt. Ltd.

, a distillery located in the Kasauli Kund waterbody in Himachal Pradesh, a joint committee has come under pressure from the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for postponing tests. According to the

9 (Sept. 13, 2024, 10:04 AM), https://hppcb.nic.in/Publications/AR-2021-22.pdf.

10 129.7 million liters of sewage is flowing into rivers every daily, reveals the annual report of the Pollution Control Board. Dainik Bhaskar, 12th September, 2024.

tribunal, the delay during the rainy season diluted discharge samples and jeopardized the accuracy of the analysis, therefore it extended the deadline for submitting a report by four weeks. There were concerns about possible local meddling because the report lacked images. The member secretary of the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board was directed by the tribunal to investigate the situation and show up for the upcoming hearing on October 23, 2024. 11 The National Green Tribunal has ruled that the Himachal Pradesh Pollution Control Board has not improved waste management in Koksar, a hamlet in Lahaul and Spiti district. The tribunal has directed the Lahaul and Spiti deputy commissioner and gram panchayat to submit responses within four weeks. The central board and HPSPCB have also been directed to file an action-taken report.

The petitioner, FRIENDS, a non-governmental organization, demanded bylaws to prevent littering, local bodies to levy solid waste management charges from tourists, and a ban on plastic carrying. 12 The State Pollution Control Board (PCB) has ordered the closure of Dabur India's shampoo production facility in Billanwali village in Baddi after it was discovered to be releasing industrial effluents into a nullah. The business faces a Rs 10,000 fine and a maximum seven-year jail sentence for using alternative energy sources, such as diesel-powered generator sets. The unit was found discharging untreated effluents into the drain in violation of environmental norms even after the two weeks.

A show cause notice was issued to the unit management, who were directed to shut down the shampoo manufacturing section, plug leakages, clean the ground water recharge pit, and separate storm water drains from effluent drains. Lab samples confirmed that the prescribed standards for environmental pollutants discharge had been exceeded. The unit management requested re-sampling, which was directed by the regional officer of the board. The unit was re-inspected on September 5, but the results exceeded the prescribed norms. The field staff recommended disconnection of the power supply due to the violations. 13

11 NGT Criticizes Delay in Pollution Sample Collection by Joint Committee in Himachal Pradesh

(downtoearth.org.in). (Sept. 28, 2024, 10:04 AM), https://www.downtoearth.org.in/governance/daily-courtdigest-major-environment-orders-july232024#:~:text =National%20Gree n%20Tribunal%20(NGT)%20on%20July. 12 NGT pulls up Himachal pollution board over waste management in Koksar. By HT Correspondent, Shimla Jul 18, 2024. 13 Baddi unit power supply cut for releasing effluents into nullah. The Tribune News Service, Solan. 12th September 2024.

Yet other cases have also been reported in the news, such as i. the delay in taking prompt action against the erring units, which have surfaced during the current monsoon season; ii. a tractor-trailer was caught red-handed dumping effluents from a biopharmaceutical company into the Ratta River at Bhud village on September 6; and iii. a nullah near a gas plant in Baddi turned dark blue due to the discharge of untreated effluents into it on August 29 by some unit. All these incidents are which are covered by the newspapers showing that the industries are not at all prioritizing the act of treating the industrial waste and dumping the waste directly to the water resources. Impact of Industrial Waste Dumping on Water Bodies The dumping of industrial waste into water bodies has severe and far-reaching consequences.

The pollutants released from these sources contaminate water resources, impacting their physical, chemical, and biological properties. These contaminants can include heavy metals, organic compounds, pesticides, and pathogens. Industrial waste often finds its way into surface water bodies like rivers and lakes, leading to direct contamination. This contamination can be exacerbated by the runoff from improperly managed landfills and industrial sites. The pollutants can seep into the soil, eventually contaminating groundwater sources, which are essential for drinking and irrigation purposes.

Pesticides Agricultural runoff, pesticide manufacturing Biodiversity loss, water quality degradation, human health risks Pathogens Sewage treatment, food processing Waterborne diseases, contamination of drinking water sources The contamination of water resources by these industrial waste poses significant health risks to human populations. Consuming contaminated water can lead to various health problems, like Gastrointestinal illnesses Skin rashes and allergies, Respiratory problems, Neurological disorders, and Cancer etc. Regulatory Frameworks and Waste Management Policies Water is an essential resource for life, agriculture, and industry, making water security a fundamental aspect of national security and development. On the other hand, water security is a critical issue in India, given its vast population and diverse climatic conditions.

Himachal Pradesh has established regulatory frameworks and waste management policies aimed at addressing industrial pollution. The legal framework surrounding water security in India ensuring sustainable water management and access to water are highlighted as I.

The Constitution of India The Indian Parliament has fulfilled its Constitutional14 as well as an international obligation15 by enacting various water laws16 for controlling and managing water pollution in India and to provide the water security to its citizens. The Constitution of India provides the foundational legal framework for water security. Article 21 guarantees the right to life, which has been interpreted by the Supreme Court to include the right to clean and safe drinking water.

14 India Constitution. art. 48A, Chapter IV, Part IV-A.

15 As India is Signatory to all International Conferences.

16 Centrals Acts: The River Boards Act, 1956; The Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Act, 1970; The Water

(Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974; The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1975; Water Pollution (Procedure for Transaction of business) Rules,1975; The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977; The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1978; The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 1978; The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Act, 1988. State special Acts: Kerala Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1976; Kerala Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1977; Maharashtra Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Rules, 1983; Uttar Pradesh Water (consent for Discharge of Sewage and Trade Effluents) Rules, 1981.

Additionally, water is a subject under the Concurrent List (Entry 17) and the State List (Entry 14), allowing both the central and state governments to legislate on water-related issues. II.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 This Act aims to prevent and control water pollution and maintain or restore the wholesomeness of water. It establishes the Central and State Pollution Control Boards to monitor water quality and enforce pollution control measures. The Act empowers authorities to act against polluters, thereby contributing to water security. III.

The Environment Protection Act, 1986 The Environment Protection Act provides a framework for environmental protection, including water resources. It empowers the government to take measures to protect and improve the environment, which indirectly supports water security by addressing pollution and degradation of water bodies. IV.

The National Water Policy, 2012 The National Water Policy outlines the government's vision for water resource management in India. It emphasizes the need for integrated water resource management, stakeholder participation, and the importance of water conservation. The policy aims to ensure equitable access to water for all, thereby enhancing water security. V.

Relevant Sustainable Development Goals i. Goal 6 (Clean Water and Sanitation) focuses on clean water and sanitation, ensuring sustainable management and protection of water-related ecosystems. It aims to reduce pollution, minimize hazardous chemical release, and increase wateruse efficiency, with industrial waste dumping being a key factor in achieving this goal. ii. Goal 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production) focuses on ensuring sustainable consumption and production patterns. It encourages industries to adopt sustainable practices, reduce waste generation, and improve resource efficiency. By

promoting cleaner production techniques and responsible waste management, industries can significantly reduce their impact on water pollution. iii. Goal 14 (Life Below Water) aims to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas, and marine resources. Water pollution from industrial waste directly threatens marine ecosystems and biodiversity. This goal highlights the importance of reducing pollution and protecting aquatic environments from harmful substances. Judicial Interventions of NGT to Enforce Water Laws On Waste management In Paldan Phunchog v. State of Himachal Pradesh & Ors. ,17 the NGT has ruled that local municipal authorities are responsible for managing solid waste in Manali, Himachal Pradesh.

The Tribunal also ruled that criminal prosecution should be initiated against government officials, including district magistrates and Secretary, Urban Development, under Sections18 of 1986 Act. The NGT cited the decisions19 of Apex Court to maintain that when a prosecution is brought under the Water Act, 1974 against public servants, no prior sanction under Sec. 197 CrPC is drawn for the offenses. The Tribunal addressed the computation and assessment of environmental compensation under Section 15 of the National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 and categorized violations into three categories: projects without statutory permissions/NOC, proponents violating statutory permission conditions, and activities causing environmental damage by not following cleanliness standards or pollution of air and water.

The NGT further emphasized on the need for punitive compensation for illegally dumped solid waste, warning against arbitrary damage computation and imposing a penalty of ₹4. 6 crore or one paisa per kg per day, requiring proper handling and disposal by Municipal Council, Manali. In Nand Lal v. Dhermendra Tomar & Ors. ,20 The Tribunal ruled that the Municipal

the case of unapproved colonies. The MCD and DDA designated space for the collection and processing of solid waste produced in Delhi's Anuvrat Vihar while the case was pending. In Sanyogita Singh Applicant v. Government Uttar Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (UPPCB),21 The Tribunal ruled that a Green Belt area in a master plan cannot be used for other purposes or altered by subsequent amendments. NGT used Supreme Court decisions in Lal Bahadur v. State of UP & Others and Bangalore Medical Trust v. BS Muddappa & others to uphold this. The Tribunal also cited Pragnesh Shah v. Dr Arun Kumar Sharma & ors. to reiterate its power to issue directions to local bodies to create zonal management plans in accordance with precautionary principles.

The Tribunal ordered the Authority of Greater Noida to remove construction in a designated green area and pay ₹5 lakh environmental compensation to UPPCB. On Biomedical Waste In Rajiv Kumar Dubey v. MoEF & Ors. ,22 The NGT dismissed a challenge to the Chandigarh biomedical waste treatment facility's functioning on the grounds that it violated the

2016 Biomedical Waste Management Rules. Although the NGT acknowledged that the facility

lacked the minimal amount of land required, it denied the petition because it was late to make the appeal and since the project's environmental approval was not contested. On Sewage Treatment Plants In Amazon Seller Services Private Limited v. Haryana State Pollution Control Board

environmental compensation against a building company for violating environmental clearance conditions in its project Nipun Saffron Valley in Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The builder failed to obtain Consent to Establish (CTE) from the UPPCB, as required under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974 and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981. In SR Sangar v. Govt of NCT of Delhi & Ors. ,25 The NGT has ruled that treated water from sewage treatment plants should be used for gardening in Delhi's public parks instead of fresh water. The Delhi Jal Board has been directed to supply treated water in tankers as an interim measure. The tribunal also directed stakeholders to prepare a detailed project report on the use of treated water for park maintenance. This decision is based on an earlier order in Manoj Mishra v. Union of India & Ors.

On Illegal cutting of trees and diversion of forest land Cutting of the tress and forest land diversion lead to the landslides which ultimately causes the water pollution. The NGT has also given the decision against the illegal cutting of the tress in the case Devendra Kumar v. State of Himachal Pradesh & Others. 26 The forest service was instructed to carry out compensatory afforestation at another location during the monsoon season, but the tribunal permitted the building of a village road on forest territory, which involved tree chopping. The tribunal also gave anyone who had complaints the opportunity to ask for more guidance. In Anand Kumar Dhyani v. PWD & Ors. ,27 The Uttar Pradesh Protection of Trees Act,

similar ruling on the unlawful felling of trees in Firozabad, Uttar Pradesh. On Environmental impact of river bed sand mining and stone crushing In Junaid Ayubi v. State of Haryana & Ors. ,29 The Tribunal ruled that a replenishment study is necessary for environmental clearance for mining river bed sand. This study calculates the rate of sand replenishment by Himalayan rivers each monsoon. The extraction or mining of river bed sand should be lower than this rate to prevent irreparable damage to the river bed and ecosystem. The Tribunal considered the MoEF's Enforcement & Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining, 2020, and concluded that sand mining without a replenishment study cannot be permitted. In Mohan Prakash v. MoEF & Ors.

,30 The State of Uttar Pradesh has quashed sand mining e-auction notices for Agra mining, citing a requirement for a valid replenishment study, a valid District Survey Report (DSR), and approval from the State Expert Appraisal Committee (SEAC) and the State Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (SEIAA). The Tribunal ruled that a DSR approved by the former District Environmental Impact Assessment Authority (DEIAA) is not valid as it has not been considered and approved by SEAC and SEIAA. As a result, mining auctions can only be conducted after a DSR approved by SEIAA is in place. Similarly, in Raj Kumar v. MoEF & Ors.

,31 The District Magistrate in Banda, Uttar Pradesh, stated that no mine auctions, letters of intent, or mining lease deeds will be conducted until a valid DSR is prepared in accordance with the Enforcement & Monitoring Guidelines for Sand Mining, 2020, and approved by SEIAA. In Arjun Singh & Ors. v. State of Uttarakhand & Ors. ,32 In response to a written petition,

On Ground water extraction and rain water harvesting In Jagjeet Singh v. State of Punjab & Ors. ,33 the Tribunal has ordered the Punjab Water Regulation and Development Authority to reconsider its 2023 exemption notification, which allowed industrial units in Ludhiana to obtain groundwater extraction permission despite the area being deemed 'over-exploited' by the Central Ground Water Board. In Harpal Singh Rana v. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation & Ors. ,34 The Delhi Water & Sewer (Tariff & Metering) Regulations, 2012, were violated by the wasteful discharge of rainwater through metro pillars on roads, resulting in water logging and traffic jams. The Tribunal, based on previous decisions, directed schools, colleges, and buildings over 100 meters to develop rainwater harvesting systems and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to construct a down take pipe with ample storage depth.

The Tribunal also sent a copy of its order to states, union territories, and pollution control boards. Since the establishment in 2010, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) of India has taken numerous actions to protect environmental laws. The NGT has consistently working for the Enforcement of environmental regulations and delivering several significant rulings on issues like industrial pollution, forest conservation, and waste management. The NGT has broadened its jurisdiction through its Suo Motu actions as well as entertaining the public interest litigation to address emerging environmental concerns, such as noise pollution and climate changerelated issues. It has levied substantial fines on polluting industries and government bodies failing to comply with environmental norms.

In many cases the NGT has incorporated scientific expertise in its decision-making process to provide an input to the complex environmental issues. The NGT is also using it directive powers to direct the government, State Pollution Control Boards as well as the private institutions to act on the wrongdoers or to comply with the environment laws. Conclusion and Suggestions Water security is a pressing issue in India that requires a multi-faceted approach involving legal, institutional, and community-based strategies. While the existing legal framework provides a solid foundation for addressing water security, effective implementation 33 Before the National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi. Original Application No. 469/2023.

34 Before the National Green Tribunal, Principal Bench, New Delhi. Original Application No.263/2022.

and enforcement remain critical. Collaborative efforts among government agencies, civil society, and local communities are essential to overcome the challenges and ensure sustainable water management for future generations. Rainwater Harvesting, Primary, Secondary and Tertiary Wastewater Treatment, Bioremediation i. e. utilizing microorganisms to break down pollutants in water, Constructing Wetland i. e. an engineered systems to mimic natural wetlands to treat wastewater, Chemical Treatment that involves adding chemicals to water to neutralize or remove pollutants and lastly, raising public awareness about water pollution and its impacts is an effective way for fostering community involvement in controlling water pollution. Similarly, the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) has promoted the various precautions for combating pollution (small steps, big impact).

Habit of Reducing, Reusing, and Recycling, Reduce use of Plastic, Proper Disposal of Hazardous Waste, Green Initiatives are some of the basis and effective precautions that can be taken to make a positive impact on reducing pollution. The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board has initiated the Pollution Abating Plant Abhiyan (PAPA), which calls for the planting of 4 lakh plants in eight different areas around the state. These places include Damtal, Sundernagar, Una, Kala Amb, Paonta Sahib, Parwanoo, Baddi, and Nalagarh. In reference to the E-Waste State Pollution Control Board has notified E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022 which have come into force from the 1st April, 2023.

Whereas, these rules are applicable to every Manufacturer, Producer, Refurbisher, and Recycler involved in manufacture, sale, repairing, assembling, recycling, and reprocessing of e-waste or electrical and electronic equipment listed in Schedule-I of the said Rules of 2022.