Shimla, July 17 (Reporter) The National Green Tribunal (NGT) in New Delhi has issued notices to Central and Himachal Pradesh pollution control boards seeking response to a petition alleging illegal dumping of solid waste at Koksar in Lahaul and Spiti district of the hill state, a lawyer said on Wednesday. The order was passed by a three-member bench headed by Justice Prakash Shrivastava, Chairperson of the NGT, on July 12 and its copy was issued in Shimla. The Green tribunal has sought responses from the pollution boards within four weeks. The petition filed by Friends, an environmental advocacy group, highlighted the improper disposal of solid waste in Koksar. The petitioner attached photographs of littering with its petition, prompting the NGT to issue notices to government agencies. Given the severity of the situation, the NGT issued notices to the Central and State Pollution Control Boards, the State of Himachal Pradesh, the Deputy Commissioner of Lahaul & Spiti, and the Village Panchayat of Koksar, demanding responses within a stipulated four-week timeframe. The tribunal mandated that these responses should include detailed reports on remedial action taken on the problem, ensuring compliance with the relevant rules. Senior counsel Akash Vashishtha, representing the petitioner, told the Bench, which also included Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, Judicial Member Dr. A. Senthil Vel, Expert Member, that Rule 20 of the Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016, had not been complied with in the area. Rule 20 outlines specific criteria for solid waste management in hilly areas, including the avoidance of landfill construction and the establishment of transfer stations for waste collection. The tribunal took note of the applicant's grievances, which included a lack of compliance by lthe ocal authorities and Panchayats, as well as the inadequate actions of the State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) and other relevant bodies. The applicant's counsel pointed out that the carrying capacity of the area had not been calculated, leading to excessive tourist pressure and subsequent solid waste mismanagement. During the winter months, solid waste dumped in the open along the Chandra river freezes, making waste management even more challenging. The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) had filed a report on April 2, mentioning a request for establishing a material recovery facility, but no such facility had been set up. Similarly, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) assured taking effective steps within four weeks to address the issue, but no tangible actions had been recorded. The next hearing is scheduled for October 18...////...