NGT Rejects Dismissal, Orders Fresh Scrutiny of RSSB Environmental Violations in Kangra
In a significant development, the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has rejected a request to dismiss an original application alleging environmental vandalism and illegal expansion works by the Radha Soami Satsang Beas (RSSB) in Kangra district of Himachal Pradesh. Instead, the Tribunal has ordered the forest department to re-examine the critical issues of tree felling and land demarcation.
Judicial Directions and Fresh Demarcation Orders
Justice Arun Kumar Tyagi, in a recent order, has impleaded the Kangra divisional forest officer (DFO) as a respondent in the case. The DFO has been directed to file a comprehensive reply on the alleged hill cutting and illegal muck dumping by Radha Soami Satsang Beas, as previously verified by a joint committee of the Tribunal.
Furthermore, Justice Tyagi has ordered the DFO to submit his reply specifically on the fresh demarcation of land owned by the spiritual organization. This directive underscores the Tribunal's commitment to ensuring proper land use and environmental compliance in the sensitive Himalayan region.
Surprise at Inadequate Penalties for Illegal Tree Felling
Expressing clear surprise at the penalty imposed for illegal tree felling, Justice Tyagi observed in his order that "35 trees are stated to have been illegally cut but a meagre amount of Rs 5,000 has been levied against the defaulters, whereas the cost of the timber would be much higher than the value compensated."
This observation highlights a significant discrepancy between the environmental damage caused and the financial penalty imposed, raising questions about the effectiveness of current deterrent measures.
Rejection of Withdrawal Request and Substantial Environmental Questions
The Tribunal also firmly turned down a request made by Pritam Singh, a representative of the applicants, seeking dismissal of the original application as withdrawn. Justice Tyagi noted that the present application "raises substantial environmental questions and cannot be allowed to be withdrawn on statement of the applicants, who represent a small group of the general public."
However, in a procedural adjustment, the NGT allowed Pritam Singh and other applicants to withdraw from the case. To ensure continued representation of public interest, the Tribunal appointed the NGT Bar Association as a substitute, maintaining the case's momentum.
Background: Joint Committee Investigation and Findings
The case originated from a petition filed in October last year by Seema Kumari, pradhan of Ghaneta panchayat, along with residents of Dhoran, Balla, Paraur, and Darang villages in Kangra district. The Tribunal subsequently ordered the formation of a joint committee to investigate allegations of:
- Environmental vandalism
- Illegal land acquisition
- Encroachments by Radha Soami Satsang Beas
Residents accused the Paraur-based centre of the spiritual organization near Palampur of illegally expanding its infrastructure after acquiring local land through various means. They alleged massive construction activities on agricultural and forest land in violation of the state Land Revenue Act and the Town and Country Planning Act.
Joint Committee Report: Confirmed Violations and Penalties
The joint committee, in its recent report submitted to the NGT through Kangra deputy commissioner Hemraj Bairwa, confirmed that Radha Soami Satsang Beas committed various environmental violations at its centre in Paraur village. These included:
- Illegal tree felling
- Unauthorized muck dumping without protective measures
According to the joint committee report, the forest department imposed specific penalties:
- Rs 5,000 for illegally cutting 35 trees
- Rs 2,000 for felling 10 more trees in the Balla village area
- Rs 1 lakh for illegal muck dumping without protective measures
The committee also observed that during its inspection, the local footpath was temporarily blocked due to development activity by Radha Soami Satsang Beas, forcing villagers to use an alternate route. However, following a "fresh demarcation" by the revenue department, the joint committee found no evidence of coercive encroachment by the organization.
Land Holdings and Site Inspection Details
Radha Soami Satsang Beas holds approximately 5,29,632 square metres of land spread across five villages in Kangra district:
- Paraur
- Dhoran
- Balla
- Ghaneta
- Darang
Members of the joint committee appointed by the NGT conducted a thorough joint inspection of the site on November 4, 2025, providing the factual basis for their subsequent findings and recommendations.
This case continues to highlight the ongoing tension between development activities and environmental protection in ecologically sensitive regions of Himachal Pradesh, with the NGT playing a crucial role in ensuring accountability and proper legal procedures.
