Renuka Lake: HC Bans Commercial Stalls in 100-Metre Buffer Zone
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has banned commercial stalls within 100m of Renuka Lake to protect the wetland and wildlife sanctuary.
In a decisive move to safeguard one of the region's most ecologically sensitive areas, the Himachal Pradesh High Court has imposed strict regulations on commercial activities around the Renuka Lake commercial ban zone. The court's directions aim to protect the fragile environment of the Renuka Ji Wetland and Wildlife Sanctuary during the upcoming Renuka Ji Fair.
A Division Bench, consisting of Chief Justice G S Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C Negi, issued these orders while hearing a series of petitions, including CWPIL No. 46 of 2024, which focused on the urgent need for environmental protection and better regulatory frameworks in the Renuka Ji area.
Strict Buffer Zone and Noise Control
To ensure that pilgrims can experience the religious and natural beauty of the site without obstruction, the High Court has mandated a strict "no-stall" zone. No commercial tents or stalls will be permitted within a 100-metre buffer zone of Renuka Ji Lake, Parshuram Tal, and the sacred Parikrama route.
Beyond commercial restrictions, the court is tackling noise pollution to preserve the serenity of the sanctuary. The key directives include:
- A complete ban on the use of loudspeakers and amplified sound systems within the sanctuary limits.
- The requirement for all cultural programs and stages to be situated outside the sanctuary area.
- Daily monitoring of noise levels by the Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board throughout the duration of the fair.
Waste Management and Plastic Crackdown
Recognizing the threat of pollution during large gatherings, the court has laid down rigorous sanitation guidelines. Authorities must ensure the availability of at least 100 temporary toilets and deploy extra sanitation staff to keep the premises clean.
In a bid to curb plastic pollution, the court ordered the creation of a Joint Flying Squad. This squad will be stationed at entry points to monitor and restrict the entry of plastic. Furthermore, the court has shifted the responsibility of waste management onto the businesses; vendors are now legally responsible for collecting and removing the packaging waste generated by their own commercial activities.
Enforcement and Legal Action
To ensure these rules are not ignored, the High Court has established an inspection committee. This group will include the Amicus Curiae, officials from the Pollution Control Board, the Wildlife Department, and nominees from the Deputy Commissioner's office. They are tasked with conducting joint inspections both before and after the fair to verify compliance.
Tackling Encroachments
The Bench also voiced strong concern regarding the slow pace of removing unauthorized structures on government land in the Renuka Ji area. The court has ordered authorities to speed up legal proceedings to clear these encroachments, stressing that all actions must align with the law and Supreme Court principles.
The court emphasized that the district administration and various departments must work in coordination to ensure the religious festivities do not come at the cost of the wetland's ecological health. The case is scheduled for a compliance review and further hearing on December 15.