States » NorthPosted at: Nov 4 2026 7:30PM


Himachal High Court tightens environmental safeguards for Renuka Fair

Shimla, Nov 4 (UNI)Ahead of the Renuka Ji Fair,
the Himachal Pradesh High Court has directed the authorities to enforce a series of environmental safeguards following concerns over plastic waste, encroachments, noise pollution and commercial activities in the ecologically sensitive areas surrounding Renuka Ji Lake and Parshuram Tal in Sirmaur district.
The fair is scheduled from November 19 to 24,
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi, while hearing a suo motu public interest litigation, along with three connected matters on November 2, directed that all commercial activities during the fair be confined to the designated Mela Ground and prohibited the installation of stalls, tents or other commercial structures around Parshuram Tal.
The court observed that photographs submitted by the Deputy Commissioner, Sirmaur, showed stalls being installed around the Parikrama area of Parshuram Tal, which falls within the eco-fragile zone. It accepted the suggestions of the amicus curiae that commercial activities should not obstruct the lake's surroundings and the traditional circumambulation route.
The court directed the administration to establish a minimum 100-metre buffer zone around Renuka Ji Lake and Parshuram Tal, including the Parikrama route, where no commercial activity would be permitted. It also ordered that shopkeepers be allowed to remain at the fair site only for a fixed period and that stalls be removed within three days of the conclusion of the fair.
Taking note of sanitation concerns, the court directed the authorities to ensure at least 100 temporary toilets for an expected footfall of around 10,000 people.
Waste management arrangements must be finalised in advance, while vendors will be made responsible for taking back plastic waste generated through their commercial activities.
The court prohibited loudspeakers and amplified sound within the wildlife sanctuary limits, directing the Forest Department and police to ensure compliance.
Cultural stages must be located outside the sanctuary, while the Pollution Control Board will conduct daily noise-level monitoring.
It further ordered the constitution of a joint inspection committee, including the amicus curiae, representatives nominated by the Deputy Commissioner, Wildlife Department and Pollution Control Board, to inspect arrangements before and after the fair. A joint flying squad will check plastic at entry points and be empowered to issue challans.
Waste burning at the site will not be permitted.
The court also expressed concern over three alleged encroachments involving ashrams and shops on government land identified during a demarcation exercise in January 2025.
It directed that the pending legal proceedings be completed at the earliest, observing that directions for removal of the encroachments had been issued as far back as 2011.
The Forest Department was directed to ensure that leopard enclosures at Renuka Ji were maintained with adequate space and requisite dimensions.
The court also asked for annual audited accounts of the Renuka Ji Development Board to ensure transparency.
The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 15, 2026.
UNI BN
Tags: #Himachal High Court tightens environmental safeguards for Renuka Fair
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