Dry Wooden logs surface in Kullu flash floods, stir environmental concerns

Kullu, June 28,
The emergence of a large number of dry wooden logs during flash floods in Kullu district on Wednesday has triggered concern among environmentalists and social activists, raising suspicion of possible illicit felling of trees in the region. Moreover, the appearence of the log woods in the water, for some, re- created the scene like in a recent bollywood blockbuster  movie ‘Pushpa’.

Videos circulating on social media showed wooden logs and debris being carried by the swollen Parvati and Beas rivers, with many of the logs later seen floating in Pandoh and Larji dams on Thursday.

The visuals have reignited worries over deforestation and mismanagement in forested areas of the district. While uprooted trees, bushes and wooden logs are often washed down during monsoon-induced floods, the unusually high volume of timber has drawn sharp attention.

Similar footage had surfaced in August 2023 from Thunag in Mandi district during a flash flood, leading to heated debates in the media and the Himachal Assembly, especially as the area falls under the constituency of former Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur.

Environmentalists argue that the pattern suggests more than just natural causes, especially given the repeated occurrence of such incidents. “This points to a systemic issue, possibly even organized illegal felling deep in the forests,” said a local activist, requesting anonymity.

Responding to the public outcry, Conservator of Forests, Kullu Circle, Sandeep Sharma said, “We have formed three teams to investigate the matter, as the area falls under the Sainj, GHNP, and Parvati forest divisions.”

“Preliminary findings do not indicate illicit felling. The wood appears to have originated from uprooted, fallen, or decaying trees scattered across nearly 20,000 hectares of forested land,” he added. However, Sharma confirmed that a detailed probe into the possibility of illegal logging is underway.

The incident has once again brought into focus the vulnerability of Himachal’s forest wealth to both natural and man-made threats during the monsoon season.

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The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.

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Himachalscape bureau

The HimachalScape Bureau comprises seasoned journalists from Himachal Pradesh with over 25 years of experience in leading media conglomerates such as The Times of India and United News of India. Known for their in-depth regional insights, the team brings credible, research-driven, and balanced reportage on Himachal’s socio-political and developmental landscape.