In a proactive move to safeguard its rivers and streams from the looming danger of flooding due to mineral deposits, Chief Minister Sukhwinder Singh Sukhu has issued immediate directives.

Himachal Pradesh’s rivers and streams have recently witnessed an increased flow of minerals, including sand and gravel, due to flooding, prompting Chief Minister Sukhu to address this natural resource issue seriously. In a crucial video conference with high-ranking officials from all districts and relevant departments, he has instructed them to swiftly clear the stockpiles of these natural resources in rivers, streams, and channels that could potentially obstruct the flow of water in the future, causing damage.

This decision not only provides a new and significant economic base for the state but also reduces the ongoing flood risks in rivers and streams. Chief Minister Sukhu’s decision has received praise from all sectors, as it addresses the concerns of the state while protecting against flood-related damage.

It’s worth noting that our web portal Newg Khabar extensively covered this aspect of the flood situation in Himachal Pradesh yesterday.

While acknowledging the government’s efforts to deal with this aspect of the floods, it is essential to revisit the Forest Conservation Act and expedite the clearance process by the Forest Advisory Committee (FAC). The law should serve the welfare of the public, not the destruction, and it requires immediate government attention.

Interestingly, in the ongoing blame game, most proponents of mining in rivers and streams have been labeled as “mafia,” yet the reality on the ground shows that in areas where scientific mining took place, the damage was minimal. For instance, the Beas River, which caused the most havoc in Kullu-Manali, only carries a mere .5% of minerals (sand, gravel). This situation has led to large boulders and heaps of sand and gravel obstructing the river’s natural flow, increasing the risk of flooding in the surrounding areas.

In Palahi Village of Hamirpur district of Himachal Pradesh, the overflow of sand and gravel due to flooding has created a precarious situation for bridges and adjacent regions. Chief Minister Sukhu has instructed the relevant departments to immediately remove approximately 4 lakh cubic meters of sand and gravel from this site. This action will not only secure the bridge in Palahi but also mitigate the risk in the surrounding areas.

If the government’s orders are promptly followed to clean the rivers, streams, and channels, it will not only extend the lifespan of small check dams in the state but also enhance the longevity of larger dams like Paonta Dam, Bhakra Dam, Pandoh Dam, and the relatively recent Kol Dam, which have been facing constant accumulation of deposits from rivers and silts.