Himalayas Under Watch: NGT Weighs Strategy to Safeguard Fragile Mountain Ecosystem

The National Green Tribunal (NGT), Principal Bench, New Delhi, on September 1, 2025, took up the matter relating to the declaration of the Higher Himalayas as an eco-sensitive zone. 

The matter was heard by a Bench comprising Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson, Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member, and Mr. Ishwar Singh, Expert Member.

The Tribunal recorded that a Joint Committee had been constituted earlier, which, after filing an interim report in April 2025, has now submitted its final report along with an affidavit from the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).

The Committee’s report proposed a comprehensive strategy for safeguarding the Himalayan ecosystem.

Among its recommendations were early warning systems for abnormal weather, snow melting, river flows, and forest fires; mandatory geological and geotechnical investigations before permitting hydroelectric projects, tunnels, and road construction; periodic audits of multi-storey buildings in tourist areas; slope stabilization and afforestation of degraded hillsides with native species such as oaks; strict regulation of waste disposal and drainage systems; banning single-use plastics and promoting biodegradable alternatives; eco-friendly accommodations and sustainable tourism practices; and ensuring the participation of local communities in environmental conservation programs.

It also urged carrying capacity studies for alpine pastures and popular tourist sites, with entry to be restricted in accordance with the ecological threshold.

In its affidavit dated August 26, 2025, the State of Uttarakhand filed a department-wise compliance response to the recommendations. It highlighted the installation of Doppler radars at Mukteshwar, Lansdowne, and Surkanda, as well as the establishment of the Uttarakhand Landslide Mitigation and Management Centre.

The State has initiated master drainage plans in towns such as Bhagwanpur and Muni Ki Reti, along with solid waste management facilities, compost pits, and material recovery plants under Swachh Bharat Mission phases 1.0 and 2.0. A Digital Refund System piloted in the Char Dham region has recovered over 20 lakh PET bottles, reducing carbon emissions and curbing littering, with plans for statewide implementation.

The single use plastic ban is being enforced through community campaigns, cloth bag distribution, and regulatory action, while 62 registered recycling units process plastic waste.

The State has also commissioned the Wildlife Institute of India to undertake a carrying capacity study of Char Dham, and continues to conduct regular awareness campaigns involving local communities.

The State of Himachal Pradesh, in its affidavit dated May 24, 2025, submitted that three Doppler radars had been installed in Shimla, Chamba, and Mandi, with two more under progress in Kinnaur and Lahaul-Spiti.

The Himachal Pradesh Disaster Risk Reduction Programme, launched with French Development Agency support, includes projects for multi-hazard early warning systems covering landslides, floods, and glacial lake outburst floods.

The State has amended its Town and Country Planning Rules to mandate structural stability certificates for high-risk buildings and restrict construction near rivers and drainage channels. Homestay policies are being promoted to reduce the burden on infrastructure in tourist hotspots, while Plastic Waste Management Units are being established in every development block.

Afforestation drives continue, with the State targeting an increase of forest cover from 28 percent to 30 percent by 2030, and soil-binder species being planted in landslide-prone slopes.

Himachal Pradesh also enforces restrictions under the Non-Biodegradable Garbage (Control) Act, 1995, strengthened by fresh notifications including a ban on PET bottles below 500 ml in government and private establishments.

The State reported that more than 25,000 volunteers had been trained in mountain rescue operations, and that carrying capacity studies had already been completed for wildlife sanctuaries at Renukaji, Manali, and Simbalbara.

During the hearing, counsel for the MoEF&CC sought additional time to evaluate the states' affidavits.

The Tribunal allowed the prayer, observing that “the response affidavits of the States of Uttarakhand and Himachal Pradesh have been received recently and seeks four weeks’ time to examine the stands of the States and file the response.”

The matter is now listed for further hearing on November 28, 2025.

Case Title: News Item titled “Need to declare the Higher Himalaya an eco-sensitive zone” appearing in Current Science dated 25.10.2023

Bench: Justice Prakash Shrivastava (Chairperson), Dr. A. Senthil Vel (Expert Member), and Mr. Ishwar Singh (Expert Member)

Date of Order: September 1, 2025