Guwahati: The Sikkim High Court has restrained the Indian Railway Construction Company Limited (IRCON) and its contractors from dumping mud, soil and excavated material into the Teesta River during construction of the Sevok-Rangpo railway project.
The order came during the hearing of a Public Interest Litigation (WP(PIL) No. 09 of 2026) filed by residents of Melli Bazar in Namchi district, who alleged that soil, debris and excavation waste from railway construction had been dumped along the river basin, disrupting the Teesta’s natural flow and causing water to overflow towards Sikkim.
A division bench comprising Chief Justice A. Muhamed Mustaque and Justice Bhaskar Raj Pradhan directed IRCON and its contractors to dispose of excavated material only at designated dumping sites and prohibited dumping in the river.
The court directed the Namchi District Collector to ensure compliance and take action against violations under the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974. The Collector has also been asked to assess whether the dumping has disturbed the river’s natural flow and recommend corrective measures if necessary.
The District Collector and the State Pollution Control Board have been added as respondents in the case.
The latest directions followed an inspection ordered by the High Court on September 7, 2026. The court had asked the District Legal Services Authority (DLSA), Namchi, to inspect the locations identified in the petition.
After considering a report submitted by the DLSA Secretary on October 3, the court issued the directions to prevent further dumping and assess its potential impact on the river.
The petitioners have sought the removal of dumped material, the construction of protective walls and the formation of an expert committee comprising hydrologists and environmental engineers to assess the situation.
They have also sought restoration costs under the Polluter Pays principle, which requires those responsible for environmental damage to bear the cost of remediation.
The Namchi District Collector has been directed to submit a report within three weeks. The case is scheduled for its next hearing on November 17, 2026.
The Teesta is a major river system supporting communities and ecosystems across Sikkim and West Bengal. The alleged dumping of construction debris has raised concerns over its natural flow and the potential consequences for the surrounding areas.