The Himachal Pradesh High Court has barred commercial activity within 100 metres of Renuka Ji Lake and Parshuram Tal ahead of the Renuka Ji fair, ordering the Sirmaur administration to restrict stalls and tents to the designated Mela Ground and strengthen arrangements for waste, sanitation and noise control.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice Gurmeet Singh Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin Chander Negi issued 12 directions while hearing a public interest litigation concerning environmental safeguards for the fair, scheduled from November 19 to 24. The directions followed the court’s examination of an affidavit filed by the Sirmaur deputy commissioner, along with photographs submitted by the district administration and the amicus curiae.
The court directed that no commercial activity should be permitted around Parshuram Tal or along ecologically sensitive stretches of Renuka Lake. It said commercial operations must remain confined to the designated Mela Ground. Stalls are to be removed within three days after the fair ends, and shopkeepers will remain responsible for cleaning the areas they occupy.
The directions respond to pollution and sanitation problems recorded during previous fairs. The court noted that large quantities of plastic waste had accumulated around the lake and the tal despite cleanliness measures. Stray cattle were found feeding on the rubbish, while a dead animal was also observed. The animal had allegedly died after consuming plastic waste, according to the report placed before the court.
The bench ordered the administration to provide at least 100 temporary toilets and deploy sufficient sanitation workers and supervisors for the expected footfall of around 10,000 people. Waste collection and sewage disposal will have to be monitored, while any animal carcasses must be removed within 48 hours.
Loudspeakers and amplified sound have been prohibited within the limits of the wildlife sanctuary. The forest department and police have been tasked with preventing violations, and cultural stages must be located outside the sanctuary. The pollution control board has been directed to conduct daily monitoring of noise levels during the event.
To limit plastic pollution, a joint flying squad will check plastic items at entry points. Vendors must take back waste generated by their businesses. The court also directed that at least 5% of tendering proceeds be used to provide honoraria to volunteers involved in cleaning operations.
The order also addresses unresolved land and conservation issues around the site. Officials were directed to complete legal proceedings involving three identified encroachments by ashrams and shops on government land. The court noted that an order for their removal had been passed in 2011 but had not been acted upon. The forest department was further instructed to maintain proper enclosures for rescued leopards at Renuka Ji.
The amicus curiae will inspect the site before and after the fair as part of a committee that will include representatives of the administration, wildlife authorities and the pollution control board. The court also ordered an annual audit of the Renuka Ji Development Board’s accounts. The matter has been listed for further hearing on December 15.
