Vishal Rana/ Hamirpur 

In Himachal Pradesh, the recent havoc wreaked by floods has revealed a remarkable aspect that demands the government’s attention. While floods have caused the most damage along riverbanks, a closer look unveils a potential solution – scientific mining. Many riverside areas that have undergone scientific mining have suffered minimal damage from floods. It can be argued that by studying the state of mining in Himachal Pradesh’s rivers, streams, and terrains, the state could safeguard against future disasters.The devastating impact of floods, especially along the Beas River in Kullu-Manali, highlights the urgency of addressing this issue. The Beas River has drastically altered its course, posing a severe threat to the surrounding areas, mainly due to the significant mineral deposits extracted from its riverbed. The Forest Conservation Act has acted as a significant barrier to obtaining clearance for mining activities, resulting in the accumulation of millions of cubic meters of minerals along the riverbed, exacerbating the flooding problem. It’s essential to reevaluate and potentially amend such laws to prevent further disasters. Understanding the natural dynamics of flooding in the region could lay a strong economic foundation for the state if scientific mining practices are implemented promptly. Areas like Hamirpur, where the impact of floods has been relatively low, owe this in part to scientific mining activities that have preserved millions of cubic meters of mineral deposits under the Plahi Khad. Failing to address this now could endanger the newly constructed bridge and the areas surrounding it. The authorities, in conjunction with the district administration, must take action once approval is granted. Moreover, the ongoing development activities, which are disturbing soil and stone resources on a large scale in the hilly regions, pose a threat to the state’s major dams, including the Pong Dam, Bhakra, Pandoh Dam, and the newly constructed Kol Dam. These dams are gradually filling with silt and debris from these activities, making it imperative to recognize and mitigate this threat. Continuous scientific mining in the state could not only mitigate the impact of floods but also serve as a robust economic foundation, aligning development needs with environmental sustainability.

According to Mr. Sanjeev Kumar, a State Geologist in Shimla, scientific mining holds the potential to meet both developmental and economic requirements, highlighting that the demand for time-consuming practices is unwarranted when considering the natural direction of mining.