Several organizations working for protection of environment and ecology of Himachal Pradesh have demanded a high level inquiry headed by a former judge of HP High Court in the alleged unscientific cutting of hills and illegal dumping of muck in Beas River.
Talking to media persons at Mandi today, Guman Singh representing Himalyan Niti Abhiyan said, “Union Road Transport and Highway Minister Nitin Gadkari didn’t take cognizance of several environmental concerns which were directly responsible for heavy losses in recent flash floods during the monsoon rain fury in this region, during his tour of Kullu – Manali on Monday.”
He said, “It is quite evident the huge losses occurred due to violation of norms in construction of four lane projects from Mandi to Manali as reports of experts suggesting scientific cutting of hills and illegal dumping of muck in river Beas have caused extensive damage, besides opening of gates of Hydro Power Projects by dam authorities raising water level manifold leading to washing away of Sainj market , damaged National Highway and caused extensive damages .”.
The representatives said, “The proposal of the minister to channelize river Beas is fraught with several dangers as taming hilly rivers is almost impossible.”
They have demanded a complete moratorium on construction of Hydro Power Projects and four lane projects in Himachal Pradesh.”
BR Kanudal, convener of Bhumi Adhigrahan Samiti and Joginder Walia, convener of Four Lane Affected Families, among others were present in the press conference.