Shimla, May 12 -- The National Green Tribunal (NGT) has ordered immediate suspension of construction of a material recovery facility (MRF) and dumping waste in Nehru Park, Kullu. The directions were issued while hearing an application filed by one Sanjay Kapoor, who alleged that the municipal council had converted a public park into a dumping ground and had initiated construction of a waste handling facility in violation of environmental norms and earlier administrative directions. The applicant, in his plea, further said that Nehru Park, spread over around five bighas in ward no. 3 of Kullu town, was originally developed as a public recreational space with pathways, trees, flower beds, fountains and children's swings. The application further mentions that the municipal council had also issued a tender notice on April 13 for construction of a shed inside the park to establish a MRF. The applicant argued that the site lies within 30 metres of the Sarwari riverbank and less than 200 metres from the Beas river, while also being situated near dense habitation and within 10 kilometres of Bhunter airport, allegedly violating Solid Waste Management Rules, 2016. Tribunal while pointing out that the green belts and parks act as "lungs" of urban areas had formed a joint committee to inspect alleged violations near Sarwari riverbank. NGT has directed Himachal government, Kullu deputy commissioner and municipal council to file replies within one month. The bench also constituted a joint committee comprising representatives of the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB), HPSPCB and the district magistrate, Kullu, directing it to inspect the site, verify the factual position, examine the grievances raised in the application and suggest remedial measures within one month. NGT directed municipal council and DC Kullu "to desist from carrying out any change of use and raising any further construction over site in question till further orders." It further directed Kullu DM and SP to ensure that any ongoing construction or dumping activity at site is stopped immediately....