NGT Slaps Himachal Officials with Fine: Sewage Plant Report Delay Costs Rs 10,000 Each
The National Green Tribunal (NGT) on Monday, August 4, 2025, imposed a Rs 10,000 fine each on Himachal Pradesh’s Chief Secretary and the State Pollution Control Board’s Member Secretary. The penalty stems from their failure to submit a comprehensive report on polluting sewage treatment plants (STPs) within the stipulated timeframe.
The Tribunal deemed the existing STPs non-compliant with environmental regulations. This lack of compliance prompted the NGT’s action.
The NGT’s order further demands detailed information regarding the environmental compensation levied on those responsible for the STP violations. This crucial information is needed to assess the extent of environmental damage and ensure accountability.
This NGT ruling underscores the urgent need for stricter environmental monitoring and enforcement in Himachal Pradesh. The hefty fine serves as a stark warning to state officials, highlighting the seriousness of environmental negligence and the consequences of bureaucratic delays in addressing critical pollution issues. The case raises broader questions about the effectiveness of environmental regulations and their implementation across the state.
