OM PRAKASH BHATT Vs. STATE OF U P

JUDGEMENT

(1.) RAVI S. Dhawan and A. B. Srivastava, JJ. The Commissioner, Kumaon and Garhwal, along with the Chairman of the Kumaon and Garhwal Mandal Vikas Nigam are present today in this matter. The issue plainly is about environmental conscious ness in the regions in Kumaon and Garhwal, of the preservation of their natural environ ment and habitat and prophylactic action in preventing the disbalance of the environ ment and ecology of this region. All present today are agreed that Kumaon and Garhwal is part of a distinct eco-system ; the Himalayan environment. Today's proceed ings are limited to the extent on the discus sion had today, as inevitably, for a more detailed examination, the Court will meet again.

(2.) THE dumping of non-biodegradable materials, regard being had to the projec tion with which the State of U. P. advertises these regions as tourist centres it makes the hills as part of a consumer's economy. On the mass consumption of fast consumer snacks or items classified as packaged fast foods, it is accepted even by the administra tion that there is no concerted all out effort, at present, to keep throw away plastics and metals away from the hills. Though, both the Commissioners of Kumaon and Garhwal submitted that they have initiated steps in pilot areas for the collection of plastic from being thrown all over the hill side.

(3.) THE tourists from the plains con sume and thrown aluminium cans, plastic water bottles and glass bottles etc. on the hill side. This traffic comes in bus loads and packed cars which is difficult to monitor as also the items of mass consumption they bring with them. THE officials present are agreed that as a first step a model answer has to be provided so that the message goes home that the delicate ecology of the moun tains is to be protected not jeopardised. This message can best be covered from a trekking or a pilgrimage route. A beginning has to be made somewhere, so that similar preventive measures for other areas can be adopted.