States » NorthPosted at: Jun 24 2025 9:58AM


HC directs govt to enforce green tax, digital challans for plastic waste violations

Shimla, June 24 (UNI) Seeking details of challans issued via app; calls for Gram Panchayat action on rural littering Himachal Pradesh.
High Court on Monday has asked the state government to take an early decision on imposing a green tax in Shimla and to strictly implement the digital challan system to curb plastic waste and littering across the state, particularly in rural and semi-urban areas witnessing rising tourist influx.
The Division Bench of Justice Tarlok Singh Chauhan and Justice Sushil Kukreja, while hearing a batch of PILs including Suleman vs. State of Himachal Pradesh & others, issued comprehensive directions to strengthen institutional mechanisms for solid and plastic waste management. The next hearing is scheduled for July 17.
The court has sought details of challans issued under the Himachal Pradesh Non-Biodegradable Waste (Control) Act, 1995, via the mobile application developed by the state government. The Bench directed that officials be enabled to access the system through the Manav Sampada portal.
In addition to seeking progress on challan training and rehabilitation works in panchayats, the court directed coordination among key departments—Environment, Urban Development, Panchayati Raj, and Rural Development—to ensure better cleanliness and improve the quality of life.
The court also reiterated its earlier order dated May 13, directing the state to frame bye-laws under Sections 13(k) and 100 of the Himachal Pradesh Panchayati Raj Act, 1994, to define user charges and segregation practices and ensure financial viability of waste management in villages. Gram Panchayats have been instructed to identify garbage hotspots and convert them into Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs).
The court’s emphasis on grassroots implementation is seen as a response to the growing challenge of rural solid waste mismanagement in Himachal Pradesh.
Interestingly, 27 days ago, the National Green Tribunal also took cognisance of the filthiness of green belts around Kasol in the Kullu district of Himachal Pradesh.
Recent reports of littering in the Ridge ground heart of Shimla town during public events and rising plastic use in such tourist-heavy areas underline the urgency of legal oversight.

UNI ML ARN
Tags: #HC directs govt to enforce green tax# digital challans for plastic waste violations
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