Shimla: The Himachal Pradesh State Pollution Control Board (HPSPCB) has imposed an environmental compensation of Rs 6.1 lakh on M/s Shivalik Solid Waste Management Ltd , a treatment, storage and disposal facility (TSDF) at Majra in Nalagarh , Solan , for violating pollution control norms.




The action followed inspections and sampling at four locations of the facility, which found several pollutants in discharged wastewater exceeding prescribed limits. Parameters including total suspended solids (TSS), chemical oxygen demand (COD), biochemical oxygen demand (BOD), ammoniacal nitrogen, sulphate and lead were above permissible limits, according to the board’s Sept 30 order.




The compensation was imposed under the Polluter Pays Principle in accordance with NGT directions. The company has been directed to deposit the amount within seven days, failing which action will be initiated under the Water and Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Acts.




The board had issued a show-cause notice to the company on June 20, seeking a compliance report within 15 days. In its reply, the company said rainwater discharged through drains was proposed to be collected and treated through a multiple-effect evaporator system, but work could not be undertaken due to obstruction by villagers.




The board rejected the explanation, noting that samples were collected on May 19 during the dry season, with no preceding rainfall, making the possibility of rainwater or first-flush stormwater negligible.




The Majra Sangharsh Committee had been demanding immediate closure of the plant.