Hamirpur’s Race Against Waste: NGT Sets February 2026 Deadline to Clear 10,000 Tons of Garbage
A Cleanup Mission with Accountability at Its Core
In a decisive push for environmental accountability, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered the Hamirpur Municipal Council (HMC) in Himachal Pradesh to clear a staggering 10,000 metric tons of legacy waste from the Dughneri site — and the clock is ticking. The deadline: February 10, 2026.
This directive came during the resolution of a petition filed in the Rita Sharma vs. State of Himachal Pradesh case, where the tribunal expressed concern over the slow pace of cleanup despite earlier instructions.
A Plan in Motion
HMC Commissioner Abhishek Garg has formally pledged to ensure the complete removal of the waste. The civic body has laid out a detailed execution plan, including daily processing of around 17 metric tons using composting, biomethanation, and segregation techniques. Two separator machines will handle up to 250 metric tons per day, with recyclable materials sent to authorized recyclers and RDF components dispatched to paper mills. Inert waste will be used to cover landfills.
No More Piles — Rain or Shine
To prevent fresh waste buildup, the council has committed to separate allocations for new and old waste, and to avoid garbage piles except during extreme weather. Infrastructure upgrades like compost pits, overhead sheds, and leachate management systems are also in the pipeline.
Eyes on the Ground
The State Pollution Control Board has been instructed to inspect the site immediately after the deadline. The NGT’s message is clear: environmental negligence won’t be tolerated, and civic bodies must deliver on their promises.
This cleanup isn’t just about waste — it’s about restoring public trust, protecting the environment, and proving that timely action is possible when accountability leads the way.
