HC seeks affidavit on Parvati-II water leakage; administration had already constituted probe panel
Shimla, Oct 7,
The Himachal Pradesh High Court has sought the State administration’s response on water leakage and the flow of debris that caused extensive damage to houses and residential infrastructure in the Sainj valley of Kullu district.
A Division Bench comprising Chief Justice G.S. Sandhawalia and Justice Bipin C. Negi was informed that the State’s reply was yet to be filed. The Court took note of an order dated September 21, 2026, under which the Sub-Divisional Magistrate, Banjar, had constituted a committee to examine the leakage of water and debris that damaged residential properties of local residents.
The proceedings are in Baadh Prabhavit Sangathan Sainj versus National Hydroelectric Power Corporation and others, along with a connected petition concerning the area. The matter has been listed for November 4, 2026.
The incident had also triggered concerns from Himalayan Niti Abhiyan, which had raised questions about the safety of settlements located below the Parvati-II project infrastructure. The organisation alleged that water leakage from the tunnel on the night of September 19 damaged houses at Palchara in Raila village and raised concerns over the stability of the surrounding slopes.
Also readSC Stay on tree felling not enough, focus must shift to farmer rights: Himdhara
Himalayan Niti Abhiyan had pointed to the dumping site above Palchara, claiming that debris from the site had caused a landslide during the previous monsoon and damaged two houses. It also alleged that cracks had appeared in Raila and adjoining hamlets, including Shulga, Dahra, Rumbra, Khadoha, Bagidhar and Rakh Sukhal, after water was introduced into the project tunnel. These remain allegations of the organisation and are subject to technical and administrative verification.
The concerns gained further attention after the September leakage affected houses, roads, agricultural and horticultural land and other local infrastructure, prompting the district administration to constitute a multi-member committee to ascertain the cause of the water discharge and assess the damage.
The High Court’s direction now places the administration’s response and findings of the committee under judicial scrutiny, particularly against the backdrop of continuing concerns raised by residents and the civil society group over the safety of settlements located around the Parvati-II project.
About the Author
