Permit large-scale construction in Himalayas only after comprehensive studies: NGT panel

Dehradun: A committee appointed by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has cautioned that large-scale construction works, such as hydel projects, roads and tunnels, in the Himalayas should only be permitted after comprehensive engineering, geological and geotechnical studies to ensure that blasting or excavation does not compromise the fragile rock structure and slope stability.

NGT had formed the panel after taking suo motu cognisance of a scientific article in Dec 2023 that highlighted the need to declare higher Himalayas as an eco-sensitive zone (ESZ). The committee submitted its final report in July, containing several recommendations. The govts of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh also submitted detailed action plans in this regard. The green tribunal, earlier in the week, directed the Union ministry of environment, forest and climate change (MoEFCC) to submit its response on the issue.Among the 13 recommendations made by the NGT panel were having early warning systems for abnormal weather conditions, river flows, snowmelt, and glacial lake outbursts, with real-time communication to downstream communities; strict regulation of hydroelectric, road, and tunnel projects, allowing them only after detailed geological and geotechnical studies; limits on construction in landslide-prone areas, with scientific slope assessments and drainage planning made mandatory; sustainable tourism measures such as eco-friendly accommodation, stricter carrying-capacity studies for alpine meadows and pastures, and stronger waste management.

The committee also called for a ban on single-use plastics with strict enforcement, QR code-based deposit-refund systems for bottles, and digital tracking of waste as well as training locals in landslide awareness and mountain risk management, along with promoting eco-tourism and local governance.The Uttarakhand govt, in its affidavit, pointed to measures already underway like installation of Doppler radars at Mukteshwar, Lansdowne, and Surkanda to improve weather forecasting, and creation of a Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre.

It added that 177 earthquake sensors and 112 sirens had been deployed as part of an early warning system and new waste-to-charcoal plants have been set at Haldwani and Haridwar.

As part of the plastic awareness scheme, a deposit-refund campaign for plastic bottles along the Char Dham route had retrieved over 20 lakh bottles and prevented 66 MT of CO₂ emissions, the state claimed. The Himachal govt highlighted regulatory and ecological steps in place like installation of Doppler radars at Shimla, Chamba, and Mandi, with more planned in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.

It also pointed at amendments to Town and Country Planning rules in 2024, making geological and structural safety reports mandatory for high-risk buildings and restricting construction on slopes over 45 degrees. It added that there was a ban on PET bottles (up to 500 ml) in govt meetings, hotels, and official events, and there were regular afforestation drives being conducted, with a goal of raising forest cover from 28% to 30% by 2030.Meanwhile, environmental experts called for PMO's involvement in Himalayas conservation, among other measures, pointing out that laws to protect higher Himalayas already exist but they lack "sincere implementation". "There is no requirement for new laws; we already have so many in place for conservation. All we need is strict discipline and sincerity to follow the laws. Also, we need to know from NGT what does the term ‘higher Himalayas' refer to? Does it mean glacier-covered Himalayas, or alpine meadows and pastures? NGT should show its intent with clarity if it means to save the Himalayas because the Himalayas are a heterogeneous system and have several forms of landscapes that are biotically and abiotically interconnected," said Dehradun-based ecologist, SP Singh.Veteran environmentalist and Padma Bhushan awardee Anil Joshi added, "It is time the PMO should take note of the fact that Himalayas require attention as a whole region, not simply as part of a state. The mountain range has a thriving ecosystem which needs care and nurturing."