Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh high court has imposed stringent environmental safeguards for the upcoming Renuka Ji fair, directing the Sirmaur administration to prohibit commercial activities within the 100-metre buffer zone around Renuka Ji Lake and Parshuram Tal to protect the ecologically fragile area.A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi, while hearing a public interest litigation (PIL), issued a set of 12 directions for the fair, scheduled to be held from Nov 19 to 24.The court said commercial activities should be confined to the designated Mela Ground and no stalls or tents should be allowed around Parshuram Tal or along the lake’s ecologically sensitive stretches.The directions were issued after the court examined an affidavit filed by the Sirmaur deputy commissioner and photographs placed on record by the district administration and the amicus curiae.The bench observed that despite cleanliness measures, large quantities of plastic waste had accumulated around the Renuka Ji Lake and Parshuram Tal during previous fairs. Stray cattle were found feeding on the rubbish, while a dead animal was also spotted. The animal had allegedly died after consuming plastic waste.The court noted that commercial activities around the water bodies had contributed to pollution and obstructed the view of Parshuram Tal along the parikrama route. It directed the administration to ensure that stalls are removed within three days of the fair’s conclusion and that shopkeepers remain responsible for cleaning the sites they occupied.Expressing concern over inadequate sanitation facilities, the bench directed the authorities to arrange at least 100 temporary toilets and deploy sufficient sanitation workers and supervisors to manage the expected footfall of around 10,000 people. Waste collection, sewage disposal and removal of animal carcasses, if any, within 48 hours must be strictly monitored, the court ordered.It also prohibited loudspeakers and amplified sound within the wildlife sanctuary limits. The forest department and police were directed to prevent violations, while cultural stages must be located outside the sanctuary. The pollution control board was asked to conduct daily noise-level monitoring.To curb plastic pollution, the court directed the administration to check plastic items at entry points through a joint flying squad and ensure that vendors take back the waste generated by their businesses.It also ordered that at least 5% of the tendering proceeds be used to provide honoraria to volunteers assisting in cleaning operations.Taking note of three identified encroachments, involving ashrams and shops on govt land, the bench directed officials to complete the pending legal proceedings at the earliest. It observed that an earlier order for the removal of the encroachments had been passed in 2011, but the authorities had failed to act.The forest department was also directed to maintain proper enclosures for rescued leopards at Renuka Ji.The amicus curiae will conduct inspections before and after the fair as part of a committee comprising representatives of the administration, wildlife authorities and the pollution control board.The court also directed an annual audit of the accounts of the Renuka Ji Development Board to ensure transparency, and listed the matter for further hearing on Dec 15.
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