When environmentalist are worried over sudden flooding in rivers in hills after destruction and fear of loss of  hundreds of human lives in a tragedy in Chamoli district of Uttrakhand the Mandi district administration has failed to check illegal dumping of mud on the banks of Suketi khud and River Beas flowing through Mandi town .

It is a common knowledge the mud thrown on the banks of rivers ultimately slides into water affecting natural flow of water leading to floods. Concerned over illegal dumping in the rivers, the Himachal Pradesh High Court had issued strict instructions to the state government to check it.

The state government has directed district administration, local self governing bodies and forest department to stop illegal dumping and take strict action against the violators. They have also been asked to identify and mark places for dumping.

People extracting mud for construction find it quite convenient to dump it on the banks of the rivers, which not only pollute the water but leads to environmental degradation.  

An environmental activist said, “The illegal dumping on the banks of river Beas and Suketi khad is a common practice in Mandi and a large number of trucks throwing mud can be seen on national highway near Rani Bain daily but nobody seems to be concerned.”

He said, “This is a serious problem and the state government should take steps to stop this practice.”

Municipal Committee Mandi sometime back had identified a place near Brindabani for dumping but still people are throwing mud in rivers.

Deputy Commissioner Mandi Rugved Thakur said, “Municipal authorities have been authorized to take action in this matter.”

Municipal Commissioner Mandi Rajiv Kumar assuring action in this matter said, “We have taken up the issue of identifying a place for dumping near Mandi town with the forest department and would soon provide a place for dumping.”

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