By: Mahesh Chander Sharma
Sundernagar (Dec 14):Himachal Pradesh High Court’s judgment regarding quashing of environment clearance and land acquisition notification for setting up of a cement plant near Sundernagar has been hailed by residents of Mandi district. Various social and political organisation have come forward and termed it a historic judgment, describing it green judgement in its true sense.
Yesterday the news spread like wild fire in the area and people were seen congratulating each other. 
According to them, the judgement has exposed the nexus between various governments and the cement company. On the one hand the general public of Sundernagar town, including workers of both BJP and Congress, were happy with the judgment, top political leaders avoided to talk with media
persons and were seen accusing each other on the issue.
According to local residents, they had given hundreds of representations to various authorities, including present and former chief ministers, but finally they had to approach the court. “The court has rightly quashed clearances for the project and saved lakhs of people as the plant was being set up in a thickly populated area,” the said.
According to Guman Singh, convener of Himalya Niti Abiyan, two visits by noted environmentalist Sunder Lal Bahuguna further infused confidence among locals to fight against all odd. According to representatives of Krishak Kalyan Samiti, Kishan Kalyan Samiti, Sundernagar Sangarsh Samiti, and Paryavaran Sarakshan Samiti, all fighting for the cause, this judgment would have far-reaching effect in saving environment of the hill state.
SS Jaryal, vice-president (HR) Harish Cement Ltd, said the company was yet to receive the court orders, stating that their course of action would be decided after going through the judgment.
