Archive · 17 Nov 2025
NGT Orders Himachal Govt to Tackle Kullu's Waste Crisis
A special court called the National Green Tribunal (NGT) saw a video of the town Kullu in India covered in trash.
The NGT told the government of the state of Himachal Pradesh that they need to do a much better job of cleaning up and managing the garbage.
The NGT wants the top government officials to explain exactly what they are doing to fix this mess.
Another court in the state is also looking into this problem, and the NGT said that if both courts give different instructions, the other court's instructions will be followed.
The government officials have been given time to provide their answers and explanations.
The NGT wants to make sure the rules for managing trash are followed to keep Kullu clean.
National Green Tribunal (NGT) demands detailed report on Kullu's solid waste management
NGT took suo motu cognisance after a viral video showed Kullu buried under garbage
NGT requires full compliance with Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, and additional measures
NGT and Himachal High Court are concurrently monitoring the situation, with High Court orders prevailing in case of conflict
Chief Secretary and other top officials must submit affidavits on compliance measures
- Who
- National Green Tribunal (NGT), Himachal Pradesh Government officials including the Chief Secretary, Principal Secretaries of Urban Development and Rural Development, and the Deputy Commissioner of Kullu
- What
- NGT has directed the Himachal Pradesh government to provide a detailed account of solid waste management in Kullu and ensure compliance with the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016
- When
- NGT took suo motu cognisance on June 5, proceedings are ongoing, with pleadings due in one month and a final hearing scheduled for January 16, 2026
- Where
- Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh
- Why
- Prompted by a viral video showcasing a severe waste accumulation problem in Kullu, indicating a failure in solid waste management
National Green Tribunal
Himachal Pradesh Government
Jurisdiction and Proceeding
National Green Tribunal
NGT insists on proceeding due to suo motu cognisance on June 5 and advanced hearing stage, while acknowledging the High Court's parallel monitoring.
Himachal Pradesh Government
Advocate General argues that NGT should not proceed further, citing the Himachal High Court's suo motu cognisance and independent monitoring through CWPIL 36 of 2025.
Requirement for Action
National Green Tribunal
Observes the 'magnitude of the problem' requires stronger action and full compliance with Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, necessitating additional 'appropriate alternative arrangements'.
Himachal Pradesh Government
Implied argument that the High Court's oversight is sufficient, suggesting NGT's continued intervention may be redundant.
- Tribunal
- National Green Tribunal (NGT)
- Location
- Kullu district, Himachal Pradesh
- Issue
- Solid waste management crisis
- Trigger
- Viral video showing Kullu buried under garbage ('From paradise to landfill?')
- NGT Cognisance Date
- June 5 (this year)
- Himachal High Court Case
- CWPIL 36 of 2025
- Deadline for Pleadings
- One month
- Final Hearing Date
- January 16, 2026